a) whether the India has merely 1.55 per cent share in the world agricultural trade;
b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto;
c) whether the Government has taken steps to enhance its share in the world agricultural trade; and
d) if so, the details thereof along with the progress made so far in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a & b) As per World Trade Organization (WTO) International Trade Statistics 2015 (based on trade in 2014), India’s share in world exports of agricultural products was 2.5%. India ranks 7th among the leading exporters of agricultural products. Keeping in view the fact that India has a large domestic consumption base for agricultural products, India’s share in the world agriculture trade cannot be termed as insignificant.
(c & d) Encouraging exports of agricultural products is a continuous process. The Government is taking steps to encourage exports of agro products through measures and incentives under Plan schemes of the Commodity Boards and Export Promotion Councils. Besides these measures, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has put in place various schemes namely Market Development Assistance (MDA), Market Assistance Initiative (MAI) and Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS) etc. to provide assistance to encourage exports.
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