Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the export of horticultural produce from Karnataka to the Maldives, describing it as a significant step in strengthening India’s agricultural exports and deepening ties with the island nation.
Speaking during the latest edition of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted how fruits and vegetables grown by farmers in Karnataka are now reaching markets in the Maldives, creating new income opportunities for growers and showcasing India’s agricultural strength on the global stage.
He said the initiative reflects the growing global demand for high-quality Indian horticultural products and demonstrates how local farmers are benefiting from improved logistics, better supply chain integration, and enhanced export facilitation.
The Prime Minister noted that such exports not only boost farmers’ incomes but also contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between India and the Maldives. He emphasized that agricultural exports from states like Karnataka underline the success of efforts to promote “Vocal for Local” and expand India’s footprint in international markets.
Karnataka has emerged as a key hub for horticulture production, with a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops. The recent shipments to the Maldives mark an important milestone in expanding India’s fresh produce exports to neighbouring countries.
The development is expected to encourage more farmer-producer organisations and agri-export clusters to explore overseas markets, aligning with the government’s broader goal of enhancing value addition and increasing agricultural export earnings.
