India’s agriculture exports during 2020-21 have registered an increase of 17.37% as compared to exports during 2019-20.

India has the 2nd largest arable land resource in the world. The exports of Agri commodities showed a sharp increase of 23.24% during March - June 2020 witnessing an export of INR. 25,552.7 Cr against the export of INR. 20,734.8 Cr during the same period in 2019.

Moreover, agriculture contributes to 16.5% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 43% of the Indian workforce. The agriculture industry in India is the backbone of the Indian economy as it serves as the primary source of livelihood for approximately 58% of India’s population. Gross Value Added (GVA) by agriculture and allied sectors stood at 20.2% in 2020-21.

Schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana has helped in developing organic clusters and availability of chemical-free inputs to farmers, while the Government of India is also aiming to double farmers’ income by 2022. The high proportion of agricultural land (157 mn hectares) and diverse agro-climatic conditions encourage the cultivation of different crops. With 20 agri-climatic regions, all 15 major climates in the world exist in India. The country also possesses 46 of the 60 soil types in the world.

India is the largest consumer of sugar in the world. The sugar industry is amongst the most significant agro-based industries in the country that influences the livelihood of about more than 5 crore farmers and their family members. Over 5 lakh workers are directly employed with the sugar mills in India. Moreover, India is the Second-largest producer of Wheat.