Piyush Goyal Champions India's Global Agriculture Ambition: A Blueprint for Prosperity
Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently chaired crucial meetings focused on elevating India's standing in the global agriculture sector, aiming to significantly boost exports and uplift farmer livelihoods through strategic initiatives and international cooperation. This concerted effort underscores India's commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape into a global powerhouse, securing food for its populace while also contributing significantly to global food security.
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India's Agricultural Prowess Today
India stands as a formidable force in global agriculture, ranking second worldwide in farm outputs. The sector is a cornerstone of the Indian economy and society, providing livelihoods to nearly 55% of the population. Agriculture and allied activities contributed 17.8% to India's GDP in 2023-24 (FY25). The nation is the largest producer of milk, pulses, and jute, and holds the second-largest position globally for rice, wheat, sugarcane, groundnut, vegetables, fruit, and cotton. Furthermore, India is among the top three global producers of numerous crops, including wheat, rice, pulses, and various fruits and vegetables.
India's agricultural exports have shown remarkable growth, reaching an all-time high of Rs. 4,40,000 crore (US$ 51.86 billion) in FY25. The country is recognized as the seventh-largest agricultural exporter globally, with annual exports of food and agricultural products, including farm produce and fisheries, nearing Rs. 5 lakh crore (US$ 55 billion). Over the past decade, processed food exports have quadrupled, while fruits and pulses exports have tripled. Rice exports alone have seen a 62% increase since 2014. India has also emerged as the world's second-largest exporter of agrochemicals, with exports reaching US$ 5.5 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to US$ 10 billion by 2026-27.
The Pivotal Meetings
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, chaired significant meetings aimed at propelling India's agricultural sector onto a larger global stage. One of these crucial discussions involved M.J. Khan, Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Food & Agriculture. The agenda centered on improving the quality of life for farmers, strengthening India's position in the global agriculture sector, and fostering enhanced agricultural cooperation with African nations. Discussions also explored new pathways to ensure long-term food security and expand India's global agricultural footprint.
In a separate, equally vital meeting held on the same day, Minister Goyal focused on preparing a comprehensive roadmap for obtaining Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) approvals for Indian agricultural and fisheries products in international markets. This initiative is designed to significantly boost exports, enhance the income of farmers and fisherfolk, and bolster the food processing industry.
SPS Approvals: A Global Gateway
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures are international safety and quality standards that govern food, animal, and plant products. These regulations are critical for ensuring that imported agricultural and fisheries products are free from harmful chemicals, pests, diseases, and contamination before they enter another country's market. Obtaining these approvals is paramount for Indian exporters, as many countries mandate stringent testing, certification, and quality checks.
The meeting chaired by Minister Goyal specifically deliberated on strengthening quality infrastructure, sustainability, market access, and certification systems. The goal is to unlock higher value realization through coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, thereby improving India's export competitiveness in agriculture and fisheries by building robust certification and quality systems that align with global standards.
Boosting Exports and Farmer Income
The government's vision extends beyond mere quantity; it emphasizes quality and value addition. India aims to increase its agriculture and processed food exports five-fold to Rs 20 lakh crore in the coming years. This ambitious target is expected to be achieved through enhanced processing, branding, and superior packaging. Recent examples include the export of litchi from Punjab to Doha and Dubai, and jamun to the UK, showcasing an expanding export basket beyond traditional items. India's presence is steadily growing in markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations.
To support this growth, farmers and entrepreneurs are encouraged to utilize the Rs. 1 lakh crore (US$ 10.88 billion) Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. This fund is designed to strengthen food processing and value addition, enabling access to higher-value global markets, boosting farmer incomes, and expanding the global footprint of 'Made in India' agricultural products.
Strategic Collaborations & Modernization
India's strategy for global agricultural leadership involves robust international cooperation and the modernization of its farming practices. Deepening collaboration with the African region and sharing India's expertise in the sector were key points of discussion in the recent meetings. Furthermore, India has been actively expanding its network of trade agreements, having concluded nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the past three and a half years. These agreements open access to 38 developed markets and provide preferential access to nearly two-thirds of global trade, all while safeguarding the interests of Indian farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs.
Beyond trade pacts, the government is committed to integrating technology and sustainable practices. The focus areas include enhancing seed production, promoting organic and natural farming, and implementing modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation. Digital agriculture, powered by AI, geospatial technology, and weather forecasting, is also being prioritized to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperatives. Initiatives like the distribution of over 25 crore Soil Health Cards, accessible crop loans through the Kisan Credit Card, and the integration of 1,400 agricultural mandis with the e-NAM platform are already empowering farmers with vital resources and market linkages.
A Future of Growth and Sustainability
The discussions chaired by Minister Piyush Goyal highlight a clear roadmap for India's agricultural future: one defined by global competitiveness, enhanced farmer prosperity, and long-term food security. With continuous government support, strategic investments, and a focus on quality and market access, India is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a leading global player in the agriculture and processed food sectors. The resilience of India's agricultural sector, even amidst global challenges, underscores the potential for sustained growth and its crucial contribution to the vision of Viksit Bharat.