Lok Sabha Question No. 2276 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-24
Subject: Agricultural Export Policy
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: BHARAT SINGH, AJAY (TENI) MISRA, GOPALAKRISHNAN CHINNARAJ, RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE, GAURAV GOGOI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2276(H) TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 th  DECEMBER,2018

## AGRICULTURAL EXPORT POLICY

2276(H). SHRI BHARAT SINGH:

SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI:

DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाͨणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंğी ) be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  boost  the export of agricultural products from the country;
- (b) whether the Government  has  proposed  or approved new  export policy for agricultural commodities in the country;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the salient features of the policy and the reasons for delay in the announcement of the said policy;
- (d) whether the  Government will ensure that the agricultural commodities attain selfsufficiency in the country before exporting to other countries; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

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THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) Promoting  exports  of  agricultural  products  from  the  country  is  a  continuous  process.  The Department of Commerce also has several schemes to promote exports, including exports of agricultural  products,  viz.  Trade  Infrastructure  for  Export  Scheme  (TIES),  Market  Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme, Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) etc. In addition, assistance  to  the  exporters  of  agricultural  products  is  also  available  under  the  Export Promotion  Schemes  of  Agricultural  &  Processed  Food  Products  Export  Development Authority  (APEDA),  Marine  Products  Export  Development  Authority  (MPEDA),  Tobacco Board, Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber Board and Spices Board. These organisations also seek  to  promote  exports  through  participation  in  international  fairs  &  exhibitions,  taking initiatives to gain market access for different products in different markets, dissemination of market intelligence, taking steps to ensure quality of exported products etc.
- (b  &  c)  Yes,  Madam.  The  Agriculture  Export  Policy  has  been  approved  by  the  Cabinet  on  6 th December 2018. The Agriculture Export Policy has the following vision:

'Harness export potential of Indian agriculture, through suitable policy instruments, to make India a global power in agriculture, and raise farmers' income.'

Inter-alia, the objectives of the Agriculture Export policy are as under:

- (i) To  diversify  our  export  basket,  destinations  and  boost  high  value  and  value  added agricultural exports, including focus on perishables.
- (ii) To  promote  novel,  indigenous,  organic,  ethnic,  traditional  and  non-traditional  Agri products exports.
- (iii) To provide an institutional  mechanism  for pursuing  market  access,  tackling  barriers and dealing with sanitary and phytosanitary issues.
- (iv) To strive to double India's share in world agri exports by integrating with global value chains.
- (v) Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in overseas market.

The  envisaged  initiatives  in  the  Agriculture  Export  Policy  have  been  organised  in  two categories - Strategic and Operational - as detailed below:

Policy measures

Infrastructure and logistics support

Holistic approach to boost exports

Greater involvement of State Governments in agri exports

| Operational   | Focus on Clusters                                          |
|---------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Operational   | Promoting value added exports                              |
| Operational   | Marketing and promotion of 'Brand India'                   |
| Operational   | Attract private investments into production and processing |
| Operational   | Establishment of strong quality regimen                    |
| Operational   | Research &Development                                      |
| Operational   | Miscellaneous                                              |

(d & e) The Agriculture Export Policy, while providing a stable policy regime for boosting exports of agricultural products,  aims at identifying the commodities essential for food security of the country.  Under  extreme  price  situations,  a  high-level  committee  would  decide  on  putting export restrictions on such identified agricultural commodities in WTO compatible manner.

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## Strategic