India’s fruit exports have jumped 47.5% in the past five years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural trade, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The surge has been fueled by expanding trade partnerships, particularly Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UAE and Australia, which have led to a 27% increase in exports to the UAE and a 6% rise in shipments to Australia.
India’s Growing Global Footprint in Fruit Exports
India is currently exporting fresh fruits to over 85 countries, with mangoes, grapes, bananas, apples, pineapples, pomegranates, and watermelons among the top varieties. The government is aggressively exploring new markets while maintaining stringent quality control.
“Every fruit that leaves India carries the reputation of Brand India,” Prasada emphasized, assuring that strict pesticide residue limits and international quality standards are being adhered to.
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Strengthening Infrastructure to Boost Exports
To further enhance exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with state governments, has been focusing on:
• Post-harvest handling improvements
• Cold chain networks, including integrated pack houses, reefer vehicles, and in-house testing facilities
• Advanced treatment processes like Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) and Hot Water Treatment (HWT) to prevent pest infestations
Additionally, Indian fruit exporters are actively participating in international trade fairs such as Asia Fruit Logistica (Hong Kong) and MACFRUIT (Italy), along with buyer-seller meets and global branding campaigns.
Breaking into New Markets
India has been making steady progress in gaining access to new international markets. In the past three years, market access has been secured for:
• Fresh bananas in Canada
• Pomegranate arils in Australia, USA, Serbia, and New Zealand
• Whole pomegranates in Australia (via irradiation treatment)
Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted that negotiations are ongoing with agencies in Europe, the USA, and other emerging markets to further expand India’s footprint in the global fruit trade.
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Impressive Growth in Value and Volume
India’s fruit exports have seen a 69% rise in quantity, from 7.55 lakh MT in 2019-20 to 12.76 lakh MT in 2023-24. In terms of revenue, exports have increased from $668.7 million to $986.3 million in the same period.
With strong government support, expanding trade agreements, and a focus on quality, India’s fruit export industry is on an upward trajectory, positioning itself as a key player in global markets.
