Question : Agricultural Export Policy

(a) the details of steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to boost the export of agricultural products from the country;
(b) whether the Government has proposed or approved new export policy for agricultural commodities in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the salient features of the policy and the reasons for delay in the announcement of the said policy;
(d) whether the Government will ensure that the agricultural commodities attain self-sufficiency in the country before exporting to other countries; and
(e) if so, the details thereof ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) Promoting exports of agricultural products from the country is a continuous process. The Department of Commerce also has several schemes to promote exports, including exports of agricultural products, viz. Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES), Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme, Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) etc. In addition, assistance to the exporters of agricultural products is also available under the Export Promotion Schemes of Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Tobacco Board, Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber Board and Spices Board. These organisations also seek to promote exports through participation in international fairs & exhibitions, taking initiatives to gain market access for different products in different markets, dissemination of market intelligence, taking steps to ensure quality of exported products etc.

(b & c) Yes, Madam. The Agriculture Export Policy has been approved by the Cabinet on 6th December 2018. The Agriculture Export Policy has the following vision:

“Harness export potential of Indian agriculture, through suitable policy instruments, to make India a global power in agriculture, and raise farmers’ income.”

Inter-alia, the objectives of the Agriculture Export policy are as under:

(i) To diversify our export basket, destinations and boost high value and value added agricultural exports, including focus on perishables.
(ii) To promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and non-traditional Agri products exports.
(iii) To provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and dealing with sanitary and phytosanitary issues.
(iv) To strive to double India’s share in world agri exports by integrating with global value chains.
(v) Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in overseas market.

The envisaged initiatives in the Agriculture Export Policy have been organised in two categories – Strategic and Operational – as detailed below:

Strategic
Policy measures
Infrastructure and logistics support
Holistic approach to boost exports
Greater involvement of State Governments in agri exports

Operational Focus on Clusters
Promoting value added exports
Marketing and promotion of “Brand India”
Attract private investments into production and processing
Establishment of strong quality regimen
Research & Development
Miscellaneous

(d & e) The Agriculture Export Policy, while providing a stable policy regime for boosting exports of agricultural products, aims at identifying the commodities essential for food security of the country. Under extreme price situations, a high-level committee would decide on putting export restrictions on such identified agricultural commodities in WTO compatible manner.
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