The agriculture sector has undergone a massive transformation due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increased focus on farmers and improving the condition of farmers. Farmers are venturing into the new world of organic farming and using technology to improve the quality of products. Its impact is visible not only in India, but also abroad. India’s agricultural exports have seen unprecedented growth, with many products reaching international markets for the first time. The last few years have seen some remarkable firsts in Indian agricultural exports.
This historic expansion is not just about trade – it is about empowering farmers, boosting rural incomes and putting India’s rich agricultural heritage on the global map. From exotic fruits to traditional food items, these first consignments highlight how the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is creating new opportunities for Indian farmers. Some of the notable agricultural exports undertaken for the first time under the Modi government are as follows:
First sea shipment of Indian Pomegranates to Australia
In what turned out to be a significant milestone for India’s agricultural exports, India successfully shipped the first consignments of premium Sangola and Kesar Pomegranates to Australia respectively by sea. This success has enhanced India’s access to Australia’s fresh fruit market, paving the way for more Indian products to enter global supply chains.
Fig juice exported to Poland for the first time
India’s unique GI-tagged Purandar figs are now making waves in Europe. In 2024, the Modi government facilitated the export of India’s first ready-to-drink fig juice made from Purandar figs to Poland. Earlier in 2022, exports were also made to Germany. Purandar figs are known for their unique taste and texture. The event is a significant milestone in promoting India’s unique agricultural products on the global platform.
Dragon fruit exported to London, Bahrain for the first time
As part of India’s effort to diversify its fruit exports, the fibre and mineral-rich dragon fruit, locally known as ‘kamalam’, was exported to London and Bahrain in 2021. The consignment exported to London was sourced from farmers in the Kutch region of Gujarat, while the consignment sent to Bahrain was sourced from farmers in West Midnapore (West Bengal).
First trial shipment of fresh pomegranates to the US
In 2023, India took a major step towards expanding its presence in the US market by exporting its first trial shipment of fresh pomegranates by air to the US. Kesar pomegranates from Maharashtra have substantial export potential and nearly 50 per cent of the fruit exports from the country come from the Solapur district of the state.
Assam’s ‘lateku’ fruit exported to Dubai
In a major achievement for the Northeast, in 2021, the first consignment of Burmese grapes, known as ‘lateku’ in Assamese, was shipped to Dubai from Guwahati via Delhi. This export put Assam’s exotic products on the global map, proving the potential of India’s northeastern states in international trade.
Jackfruit from Tripura to Germany
Germany got a chance to taste India’s fresh jackfruit from Tripura in 2021. For the first time, a consignment of fresh jackfruit was exported from Tripura to Germany by air. The first consignment of one metric tonne of fresh jackfruit was flagged off from Agartala. This reflects the efforts being made to bring the northeastern states on India’s export map of agricultural and processed food products.
King Chilli ‘Raja Mircha’ from Nagaland sent to London for the first time
In 2021, boosting the export of GI products from the Northeast region, a consignment of ‘Raja Mircha’ also known as King Chilli from Nagaland was sent to London via Guwahati by air for the first time. Given its perishable nature, exporting this product was a challenge but India successfully facilitated its air shipment, highlighting India’s capabilities in handling specialty agri-exports.
First export of ‘Red Rice’ from Assam to the US
In 2021, boosting India’s rice export potential, the first consignment of ‘Red Rice’ was sent to the US. The iron-rich ‘Red Rice’ is grown in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam without any chemical fertilizers. This variety of rice is called ‘Bao-Dhaan’, which is an integral part of Assamese cuisine.
First consignment of Vazhakulam pineapples from Kerala to Dubai and Sharjah
In 2022, India flagged off the first consignment of GI tagged “Vazhakulam pineapples” from Vazhakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala to Dubai and Sharjah, UAE. This will provide better income to pineapple farmers and more recognition to their product in the global market.