Shakti Sharan

New Delhi | 16 Jan 2018

With the aim of doubling the exports of Indian food items in next five years that would subsequently double the farmers’ income, government will soon release an Agri Exports Policy.

Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry emphasized the need of such policy to give impetus to exports of food products and capture larger share in the world market.

He said, “Commerce ministry and Agri ministry are working together to prepare an exclusive Agri Exports Policy. It is in final stages and within a month it will be in place.”

“India has a tremendous potential in the field of agriculture and food products. India’s food market stood at $193 billion in 2016, which is estimated to increase to $540 billion by 2020”, he added.

He was speaking at the curtain raiser event of the two-day International food and beverage trade show – Indus Food that would begin from Jan 18, 2018. It is being organized by Department of Commerce in association with Trade Promotion Council of India(TPCI).

He also told, “India’s food exports are expected to double in next five years, from $31 billion in 2015. This sector is growing annually by the rate of 12 per cent”.

Sharing the details of the event, TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla informed that the two-day event would be inaugurated by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Over 400 exhibitors including representations from 12 states and departments will participate in the event. Global buyers from 42 nations will also visit the show.