India’s Food Products’ exports make up 1.6% of global trade: Subodh Kant

India’s exports for agricultural and food products constitutes about 1.6% of total global trade. A study by Ministry of Food Processing Industries says that even though country’s export of agricultural and Food products have been on increase, the small percentage of exports in the global trade is a cause of concern. The Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai gave this information in Rajya Sabha today.

He said that the major reasons for unsatisfactory export performance are non-availability of exportable products in adequate quality and quantity, non-tariff barriers in the world markets, inability to achieve and maintain high standards of supply as well as build a brand image for quality, safety and reliability.

Shri Subodh Kant Sahai stated that the Government has already taken various initiatives by providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs to bring in modern technology and equipments so as to improve quality, cost effectiveness and exportability of their products. The minister said that his ministry has been providing assistance for upgrading capacity building in Human Resource Development, Research &Development and quality assurance. Government has been encouraging the exporters for participation in international fairs and exhibitions for better market access, market promotion and showcasing their products, he added.

As per the vision 2015 for the food processing sector adopted by the Government, India has the potential to achieve 3% share in world trade of agricultural and food products by the year 2015.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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