Agriculture Export Of India. Everything You Need To Know About

India’s livelihood is largely dependent on agriculture, and it has been a major contributor to the global agricultural trade, ranking among the top 10 agricultural exporters worldwide for many years now. As the global agriculture market is projected to exceed $4.8 trillion in 2025, Agriculture export from India continues to grow, backed by its vast agro-climatic diversity, competitive pricing, and government export incentives.

For businesses looking to tap into this opportunity, importing agricultural products from India offers a blend of cost advantage, quality, and scalability. From being the largest exporter of basmati rice and spices to emerging strongly in processed food and organic produce, India's agricultural export landscape is more dynamic than ever. 

In this guide, we dive deep into everything you need to know about the agriculture export industry in India — from major products and export markets to regulations, challenges, and future outlook.

 Why India is the Agricultural Export Hub of the World

India’s agricultural strength lies in its:

• Vast agro-diversity –India's agro-ecological zones enable year-round farming of cereals, pulses, fruits, and spices. This wide range helps meet the seasonal demands of global importers consistently.

  
  

• Favorable government policies – With APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and CAPEXIL supporting global trade.

  
  

• Competitive pricing – Low-cost cultivation and labor give Indian Agri-products a pricing edge in global markets. This affordability attracts bulk buyers without compromising on quality.

  
  

• Established logistics network – India’s proximity to key markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East allows faster and cost-effective deliveries. Modern ports and inland connectivity further strengthen the logistics pipeline.

  
  

In 2024 alone, India exported over ₹2.7 lakh crores worth of Agri products, with strong demand from countries like the UAE, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and even European nations like Germany and the Netherlands.

Top Agricultural Products Imported from India

As per the data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Marine products, Basmati rice and other rice(excluding basmati) accounts for the majority of India’s major exports when it comes to agricultural products, while Spices, Sugar, Meat, Oil meals, Coffee etc are the other major agricultural exports from India.

Major Countries Importing Agricultural Goods From India

When it comes to countries with major agriculture exports from India, the United States tops the list with an import worth Rs 36,117 crore (US$4.19 billion). Other major countries include, UAE, China, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Iraq, etc. 

Licenses and Certifications Required by Indian Agriculture Exporters

To ensure compliance and global acceptance, the Indian agricultural exporters are required to hold the following licenses and certifications:

• FSSAI License – Ensures food safety compliance

• IEC (Import Export Code) – Issued by DGFT for export authorization

• APEDA Registration – For food-grade Agri exports

• CAPEXIL Membership – For products like onions, mushrooms, and granites

• Phytosanitary Certification – To ensure pest-free, chemical-safe shipments

  
  

As a buyer, always request these certifications before placing bulk orders.

The Agricultural Export Process: Step-by-Step

Ashadhan, like many compliant exporters, follows a thorough export process:

1. Procurement from certified farms

 We source from local farmers practicing sustainable and organic methods.

2. Quality grading and sorting

 Products are cleaned, graded, and sorted based on size, moisture %, and export standards.

3. Packaging and labelling

 Packaging is customized based on importer needs — mesh bags, jute sacks, vacuum sealing, or food-grade cartons.

4. Pre-shipment testing

 Samples are tested in NABL-accredited labs to ensure hygiene and export compliance.

5. Documentation and customs clearance

 We handle shipping bills, invoices, phytosanitary certificates, and fumigation certificates.

6. Logistics and shipping

Depending on the destination, goods are dispatched from ports in Mumbai, Chennai, or Mundra via sea or air.

 How to Choose a Reliable Indian Agricultural Supplier

Before choosing an exporter. Here are certain things to consider:

• Review past export history

  Check the exporter’s experience in handling international shipments, including destinations served and client feedback. A proven track record reflects reliability, professionalism, and regulatory compliance.

  
  

• Request product samples

  Make sure you get the samples first so that you can evaluate the quality, consistency, and packaging of a product. This makes sure the product lives up to the market expectations.

  
  

• Verify warehouse and logistics capabilities

  It is essential to have a well-maintained warehouse and logistics system.  This guarantees the integrity of the goods and the maintenance of on-time delivery.

  
  

• Look for flexibility in private labelling and packaging

  Exporters offering customizable packaging and private labelling help align products with your brand. This is essential for market positioning and consumer trust in your region.

  
  

• Check if they support custom documentation and inspections.

  A good agriculture goods exporter from India will help you with export documentation, certifications, and pre-shipment inspections. This will ease your import procedure and guarantee cross-border regulatory compliance.

  
  

Ashadhan offers end-to-end export support, from procurement to port.

Common Challenges When Importing from India — and How to Overcome Them

Delayed Shipments

To overcome delayed shipments, work with exporters who have port-side warehousing or tie-ups with reliable logistics partners. As a result, it will lead to lesser dispatch delays and faster container loading.

Quality Mismatch

Quality mismatches are bound to happen sometimes. To prevent this, always request samples, quality certifications, or third-party lab testing. This makes it easier to verify that the final product lives up to your standards for quality.

Language & Time Zone Gaps

Select exporters who have specialized teams for worldwide sales and support. Even if there is a time difference, they guarantee smooth communication and prompt updates.

Improper Packaging

Full information on the packaging and photos of samples should be gathered beforehand. A good export-grade packaging prevents transit damage and maintains product integrity.

Why Ashadhan is Your Ideal Export Partner

Ashadhan is a trusted name in agricultural, spice, polymer, and stone product exports. With certifications from FSSAI, CAPEXIL, and APEDA, we ensure the highest quality standards and smooth documentation. Our experience in handling bulk orders, private labelling, and African market requirements makes us a reliable choice for long-term B2B relationships.

Final Thoughts

Importing agricultural products from India can be profitable and sustainable when done with the right partner. India’s rich Agri ecosystem offers endless opportunities. Partner with a compliant and quality-focused supplier like Ashadhan to ensure peace of mind and competitive pricing.