Question : SHARE OF AGRO EXPORTS IN TOTAL EXPORTS



(a) the share of Agro-exports in the total annual exports of the country;

(b) whether agro-exports have been stagnating for the last few years;

(c) if so, the total agro-exports made during the last three years against the target set, if any;

(d) the steps the Government propose to take to make agro-exports competitive in the world market;

(e) whether lack of adequate export infrastructure has been hindering the agro-exports;

(f) if so, the steps the Government propose to take to improve export of infrastructure for agro-exports; and

(g) the target set for export of agro products for 2003-04?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)

(a) The percentage share of agricultural exports (excluding tea, marine, coffee, castor oil, cotton) to the total exports for the period April-January, 2002-03 is 8.35%.

(b) & (c) No, Sir. Agricultural exports for the last three years have been as indicated below:

Year	Exports	(Rs. Crores)
2000-2001

(April-March) 16773.48 2001-2002

(April-March) 18666.68 2002-2003

(April-January) 17310.71 2001-2002

(April-January) 14806.91



(Source: DGCI&S, Calcutta)

(d) to (f) Inadequacy of infrastructure specific to agri-products such as lack of cold chain, quality testing laboratories, post harvest management, storage etc. have constrained agro-exports. The same are being addressed by the Government through a variety of schemes administered by its agencies.

(g) Target for agro-exports is in the nature of projections based on past performance and future expectations. The process has been taken in hand.