Amid global tariff pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, India is aiming for a 9% rise in edible product exports this fiscal, government sources said.
They noted that inelastic demand for staples like basmati rice and savoury snacks among the South Asian diaspora in western markets, particularly the United States, will help sustain momentum.
High per capita consumption in these markets is also expected to drive growth in agricultural and processed food shipments.
On 9 July, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had said India’s current agricultural and fisheries exports, worth ₹4.5 lakh crore, have the potential to grow to ₹20 lakh crore through stronger supply chains, better irrigation, and greater value addition.
He emphasised that the presence of over four crore people of Indian origin living abroad presents an opportunity to expand exports of pre-packaged processed foods.
The ministry has also underlined the potential in spices, coffee, and millets, where improved processing and branding could lift shipments further.
Encouraging the domestic food industry to focus on technical standards in target markets, the government has identified “ready-to-eat” foods as a key growth segment for Indian exports.