India’s Farm Exports Surge 8% in First Two Months of FY26

India’s agricultural and processed food exports have started the current fiscal year on a strong footing, with shipments rising over 8% year-on-year to $4.16 billion during April-May 2025, according to official data. The growth was led by a sharp uptick in the export of rice, buffalo meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Rice exports — both basmati and non-basmati, accounted for nearly half the total, registering a 4.7% increase and touching $2.04 billion in the first two months of FY26. This builds on last year’s record rice export earnings of $12.47 billion, which marked a 20% jump over FY24.

Trade sources attribute the rebound in rice exports to the government’s removal of restrictions in late 2024, following projections of a bumper harvest and rising domestic stocks. All export curbs, including minimum export prices, were lifted to boost trade. India, the world’s leading rice exporter for over a decade, has since regained its dominant position, particularly in African and Southeast Asian markets.

With the Indian Meteorological Department forecasting above-normal monsoon rains, the outlook for kharif rice production is promising, further bolstering the country’s export prospects for the remainder of FY26.

Apart from rice, buffalo meat and fresh produce have also seen strong demand globally. According to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), buffalo meat, dairy, and poultry product exports grew by over 16% to $810 million in April-May 2025. Fruit and vegetable exports followed closely with a 16% surge, reaching $690 million.

Officials at the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) said Indian buffalo meat continues to gain ground in global markets for its quality and nutritional profile. India is now the world’s second-largest exporter of buffalo meat, with key buyers including Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

APEDA has played a pivotal role in streamlining the supply chain through approved integrated meat plants and ensuring these facilities meet the inspection standards of importing nations, a move that has significantly contributed to the sector’s export growth.

There has also been increased global demand for Indian produce such as mangoes, bananas, fruit and vegetable seeds, processed juices, and other horticultural products.

In FY25, overall exports under the APEDA basket rose to $25.14 billion, marking an annual growth of over 12%. APEDA items now account for approximately 51% of India’s total agricultural exports. The remaining agricultural exports comprise products such as marine items, tobacco, coffee, and tea.

With favourable agro-climatic conditions, relaxed trade policies, and a growing global appetite for Indian agri products, stakeholders remain optimistic that FY26 could set a new benchmark in India's agri-export story.

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