Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday urged stakeholders from the food, agriculture, and hospitality sectors to work together to make India the world’s largest exporter of agricultural and processed food products.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair in New Delhi, the minister highlighted the growing global demand for Indian food products and expanding international trade opportunities.
India Among Top Agricultural Exporters
Goyal said India’s exports of food and agricultural products, including farm produce and fisheries, have reached nearly ₹5 lakh crore (over $55 billion) annually.
He noted that India is currently the seventh largest exporter of agricultural produce in the world, reflecting the country’s growing strength in global agri-trade.
Significant Growth in Food Exports Since 2014
The minister said India’s agricultural and food exports have recorded substantial growth between 2014 and 2025.
Key highlights include:
- Processed food exports increased fourfold
- Fruit and pulses exports tripled
- Processed vegetable exports quadrupled
- Cocoa exports tripled
- Cereal exports doubled
- Rice exports grew by 62%
According to Goyal, these achievements demonstrate India’s potential to become a global leader in food exports, aligning with the vision of Narendra Modi to make India the “food basket of the world.”
Free Trade Agreements Opening Global Markets
The minister highlighted that nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by India over the past three and a half years have opened access to 38 developed countries, creating major export opportunities.
He said India now enjoys preferential market access covering nearly two-thirds of global trade, which strengthens the country’s position as a key investment destination and global supply chain partner.
Government Protecting Interests of Farmers and MSMEs
Goyal stressed that the government has carefully protected the interests of farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs while negotiating trade agreements.
He noted that sensitive sectors such as dairy have not been opened to foreign competition, and genetically modified (GM) products have not been granted duty concessions or market access.
Similarly, important agricultural commodities such as rice, wheat, maize, soy meal, and several varieties of pulses have been protected during trade negotiations.
In the sugar sector, the government has generally avoided granting concessions to prevent imports that could harm domestic producers and sugarcane farmers.
Focus on Food Processing and Value Addition
The minister encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs to benefit from the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, which has a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore.
He emphasised that food processing and value addition can help farmers access high-value global markets while creating new employment opportunities.
Goyal added that small enterprises are increasingly entering the food processing sector, which is expected to drive further growth in the agri-economy.
Italy Named Partner Country for AAHAR 2026
For the first time, the AAHAR exhibition has a partner country—Italy.
The minister also announced that the exhibition will be open to the general public on March 13 and throughout Saturday, allowing visitors—especially young people—to experience innovations and opportunities in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors from India and around the world.
