Prime Minister Narendra Modi's heightened focus on farmers and improving their conditions has led to a remarkable transformation in the farming sector. Farmers are now embracing technology to explore the world of organic farming, enhancing the quality of their produce. The impact of this change is visible not only in India but globally as well. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India's agricultural exports have experienced unprecedented growth, with many products entering international markets for the first time. In recent years, several notable milestones have been achieved in Indian agricultural exports.
This historic expansion goes beyond just trade—it’s about empowering farmers, boosting rural incomes, and showcasing India’s agricultural legacy to the world. From exotic fruits to traditional staples, these first-time exports reflect how the Modi government's vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat is creating new opportunities for Indian farmers. Here are some remarkable first-time agricultural exports under the Modi government:
India Ships Pomegranates to Australia via Sea for the First Time
In a major achievement for India's agricultural exports, the country has successfully shipped its first-ever consignments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia via sea. This milestone strengthens India's fresh fruit market presence in Australia and opens new opportunities for Indian produce in global supply chains.
First-Ever Export of Fig Juice to Poland
India’s distinctive GI-tagged Purandar figs are gaining popularity in Europe. In 2024, the Modi government enabled the export of India's first ready-to-drink fig juice, crafted from Purandar figs, to Poland. Previously, in 2022, exports had also reached Germany. Renowned for their exceptional taste and texture, Purandar figs highlight India's rich agricultural heritage. This milestone underscores a significant step in showcasing India’s unique agro-products on the global stage.
First-Ever Export of Dragon Fruit to London and Bahrain
As part of India's efforts to expand its fruit exports, the nutrient-rich dragon fruit, locally called ‘Kamalam,’ was shipped to London and Bahrain in 2021. The consignment to London was procured from farmers in Gujarat's Kutch region, while the one sent to Bahrain was sourced from farmers in West Midnapore, West Bengal.
First-Ever Trial Shipment of Fresh Pomegranates to the U.S.
In 2023, India made a significant move to strengthen its foothold in the American market by sending its first-ever trial shipment of fresh pomegranates to the USA via air. The 'Bhagwa' pomegranate from Maharashtra holds immense export potential, with nearly 50% of the country's pomegranate exports originating from the state's Solapur district.
Assam's Exotic 'Leteku' Fruit Now Exported to Dubai
In a significant milestone for the Northeast, 2021 saw the first-ever export of Burmese grapes, locally known as ‘leteku’ in Assamese, from Guwahati to Dubai via Delhi. This achievement showcased Assam’s unique produce on the global stage, highlighting the immense potential of India’s northeastern states in international trade.
Tripura's Jackfruit Finds Its Way to Germany
Germany experienced the flavors of India’s fresh jackfruit from Tripura in 2021. For the first time, a shipment of fresh jackfruit was airlifted from Tripura to Germany. The inaugural consignment, weighing one metric tonne, was dispatched from Agartala. This milestone highlights the Modi government’s efforts to integrate the northeastern states into India’s agricultural and processed food export network.
King Chilli 'Raja Mircha' from Nagaland Makes Its Debut in London
In 2021, exports of GI products from the northeastern region received a significant boost when a consignment of ‘Raja Mircha,’ also known as King Chilli from Nagaland, was air-shipped to London via Guwahati for the first time. Due to its perishable nature, exporting this chilli posed a challenge, but India successfully managed the air shipment, showcasing its expertise in handling specialized agro-exports.
Assam's 'Red Rice' Makes Its First Export to the USA
In 2021, India's rice export potential received a significant boost with the first shipment of ‘red rice’ being sent to the USA. This iron-rich variety, known as ‘Bao-dhaan,’ is traditionally cultivated in Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley without the use of chemical fertilizers and holds a special place in Assamese cuisine.
First Shipment of Vazhakulam Pineapples from Kerala Reaches Dubai & Sharjah
In 2022, India dispatched the first consignment of GI-tagged “Vazhakulam Pineapple” from Vazhakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala, to Dubai and Sharjah, UAE. This initiative aims to enhance the global market presence of the fruit while providing better income opportunities for pineapple farmers.
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