Read full article by Shivam Dwivedi @ Krishijagran-Agricultural World Photo Credit: Queensland Country Life
Despite India’s 41% share of millet production, with an annual output of around 12 million tonnes (mt), the country’s exports were 87,558 tonnes in 2020-21, up 16.32% from 75,274 tonnes the previous year.
Since 2023 has been designated as the International Year of Millets, India’s agri export promotion body, APEDA, plans to increase the country’s export footprint from 50 to 100 countries in the next two years. Furthermore, it is developing strategies to increase overall agricultural product exports to countries other than top buyers.
“Right now, our products are exported to approximately 190 countries, up from approximately 150 countries a decade ago.” “The challenge is to increase volume in countries other than the top ten while maintaining growth in major purchasing countries,” said M Angamuthu, chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The global millets market is expected to grow to more than $12 billion by 2025, up from $9 billion today.
Despite India’s 41% share of millet production, with an annual output of around 12 million tonnes (mt), the country’s exports were 87,558 tonnes in 2020-21, up 16.32% from 75,274 tonnes the previous year. The majority of India’s exports – up to 60% – are destined for Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The top ten countries account for 87% of total volume.
According to trade sources, India’s presence in top millets importing countries such as Indonesia, Belgium, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Italy, and Brazil is nearly non-existent, and these markets can be tapped more aggressively. While millets, both as raw materials and as value-added products, should be exported, an exporter suggested that the Centre, in collaboration with state governments, implement an export-centric production incentive, which would also aid in crop diversification.
