Question : Agricultural Exports

(a) whether the export targets are not fixed for quantity or value of Agricultural Products;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto and the corrective steps taken in this regard;
(c) whether the country has the challenge to align domestic markets with international markets as exports of agricultural products can bring prosperity to the countryside and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether one per cent increase in agro exports results in inflow of a large amount in the sector and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the growth in agriculture is not dictated by demand of economy in the country and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a & b): Export targets for the agricultural products are not fixed as the export of Agricultural products depends on several factors such as availability of surplus over the domestic requirements (including the requirement of buffer stock and strategic reserve, if any), concerns of food security, international demand and supply situation, quality standards in the importing countries, varieties traded, price competitiveness, need to balance between remunerative prices to the growers and availability of agricultural products to common man at affordable prices etc.

(c) : Export of agro products acts as engine of growth for agriculture in the country through introduction of higher standards in quality, infusion of new technology, upgradation of infrastructure which lead to increase in the efficiency and competitiveness at various stages of supply chain viz. cultivation, post-harvest, processing and storage.

(d) : No study has been conducted by the department on relation of increase in agro exports & inflow into sector. Any increase in the agro exports, howsoever small, would be beneficial for the sector due to the above-stated reasons.


(e) : India has a large consumption base for the agricultural products. The growth in the agriculture sector, therefore, is dictated primarily by the domestic demand.
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