India’s agri food export have reached impressive figures of $46.4 billion in 2023–24, constituting roughly 11.7% of the country’s total exports, as reported in the MoFPI Annual Report 2023–24. There has been an immense increase in the demand for safe, quality, and convenient food worldwide, which gives an edge to Indian entrepreneurs and startups. The sector has a lot to offer in terms of expansion and wealth creation, whether through direct exports, processing value addition, or supply chain integration.
This article analyzes the reasons why aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on the booming agri-food export sector, aided by government schemes, well-established infrastructure, and an increasing global appetite for Indian food products.
Overview and Market Evolution
India’s Role in Global Agri-Food Trade
India is one of the leading producers in the world for a number of agri-food commodities:
| Category | Global Rank | Share in World Production |
| Milk | 1st | 22.99% |
| Pulses | 1st | 25.88% |
| Rice (Paddy) | 2nd | 24.25% |
| Fruits & Vegetables | 2nd | 11.89% & 11.88% |
| Wheat | 2nd | 14.25% |
| Spices | Among Top 5 | — |
Related: Top 10 Government Schemes for Food Processing Startups in India
Highlights in Export Performance
Total Agri-Food Export (2023–24): $46.4 Billion
Leading Segments:
- Cereal Exports (USD 10.9 Bil)
- Fish & Crustaceans (USD 6.1 Bil)
- Meat Products (USD 3.8 Bil)
- Spices (USD 4.7 Bil)
- Sugar (USD 3.3 Bil)
Total: USD 46.4 Billion
Processed food sections reached USD 10.88 billion, which is about 23.4% of the total agri-food exports.
In 2022, India’s portion of the global food export market was just 2.55%.
Why Agribusiness and Food Industry Exports are Good for Business
1. Government Support and Policies
India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) supports exporters with:
- 100% FDI through automatic route in food processing
- Lower GST (0%-5%) for most food products
- Special incentives under PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, PMFME, and PLIS schemes
- Export facilitation via the Nivesh Bandhu Portal and events like World Food India
2. MoFPI Special Processing Infrastructure Support Includes
- 41 Mega Food Parks
- Cold Chain Projects
- Agro Processing Clusters
- Backward & Forward Linkages
These projects help eliminate waste, improve quality, and speed up exports.
3. Fast Growth of the Sub-Saharan African Export Market
Africa, South East Asia, and Middle Eastern countries are rapidly becoming dependent on India for:
- Staples
- Ready-to-eat foods
- Frozen meat
- Spices
This growth is supported by:
- Indian diasporas
- Preference for vegetarian/vegan and Ayurvedic foods
- Competitive pricing
Related: Why Now Is the Best Time to Launch a Food Startup in India
Opportunities Through Product Category
1. Cereals and Grains ($10.99B of Exports)
India’s major cereal exports include:
- Basmati and non-basmati rice
- Wheat
- Millets
With global focus shifting towards nutrition and sustainability, millets become a promising niche.
Pro Tip: Export demand for millets can be better serviced by flake, pasta, health bar, or flour blend manufacturing.
2. Fruits, Vegetables, and Their Preparations (USD 2.7B Exports)
Global interest is increasing in:
- Dehydrated and frozen veggies
- Fruit derivatives like pulps, purees, and concentrates
- Pickles, chutneys, and jams
ODOP schemes under PMFME are supporting regional processing centers for these products.
3. Meat and Fish (USD 9.95B Combined)
India leads in the export of:
- Buffalo meat
- Seafood including shrimp and prawns
- Value-added fish products
Other high-value business opportunities include:
- Ready-to-cook seafood kits
- Halal meat processing
- Smoked and vacuum-packed meat
4. Spices, Condiments & Herbal Products (USD 4.7B)
India dominates in:
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Cardamom
- Chilli
Other high-demand products include:
- Organic and traceable spice blends
- Ayurvedic herbal formulations
- Ready-to-use curry pastes
5. Processed and Packaged Foods
| Product Category | 2023–24 Export Value (USD Million) |
| Prepared Cereals/Bakery Products | 821.03 |
| Vegetables & Fruits Prep | 1,156.04 |
| Miscellaneous Edible Preparations | 1,469.01 |
| Beverages and Spirits | 451.66 |
How to Start: Step-by-Step Guide for Export-Ready Units
Step 1: Choose a High Potential Product
Use ODOP (One District One Product) mapping for regional product advantages.
Examples:
- Litchi pulp from Muzaffarpur
- Mango pulp from Ratnagiri
- Black rice snacks from Manipur
Step 2: Set Up Processing Infrastructure
Apply for schemes under PMKSY and PMFME.
Explore financial aid for:
- Cold chains
- Mega Food Parks
- Modern processing lines
According to MoFPI Annual Report 2023-24, an investment interest of ₹33,129 crore was generated during World Food India 2023.
Step 3: Follow International Guidelines
- FSSAI and NABL certification for domestic assurance
- Codex Alimentarius, BRC, HALAL, HACCP for international exports
- Upgrade packaging and shelf life to target country preferences
Step 4: Exporter Registration
- Apply for Import-Export Code (IEC) via DGFT
- Register with APEDA for agri-foods export
- Participate in global food exhibits, trade shows, and buyer-seller meetings
Key Data at a Glance
| Indicator | Value/Status (2023–24) |
| Total Agri-food Exports | USD 46.4 Billion |
| Processed Food Share | 23.4% of agri-food exports |
| India’s Share in Global Food Trade | 2.55% (exports), 1.66% (imports) |
| Employment in Food Processing | 71.8 lakh (Registered + Unincorporated) |
| FDI in Food Processing (2014–2024) | USD 6.8 Billion |
Government Schemes for Export-Oriented Units
1. PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
Incorporates:
- Mega Food Parks
- Cold Chain Infrastructure
- Agro Processing Clusters
- Backward & Forward Linkage Systems
2. PMFME Scheme
- Targets micro food businesses
- Credit-linked subsidy
- ODOP product branding support
3. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
Focus on:
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Marine products
- Health foods (fortified & plant-based)
NPCS – Your Partner in Project Planning
Niir Project Consultancy Services (NPCS) aids entrepreneurs and startups in planning profitable projects in the agri-food industry.
Services include:
- Market Survey cum Techno-Economic Feasibility Reports
- Comprehensive details on manufacturing process, sourcing of raw materials, plant layout design, and financial modeling
- Guidance on project identification, planning, and execution
Frozen foods, spice blends, millet processing, and more – NPCS offers complete feasibility studies for setting up an export-oriented business.
Conclusion: Take Action Now
India’s agri-food sector is teeming with possibilities for entrepreneurs given over $46 billion in exports, increasing global demand, and robust government support. There’s ample opportunity for new startups to build successful, scalable, and sustainable businesses in this sector by taking advantage of:
- Schemes such as PMKSY and PMFME
- Local agri-assets identified through ODOP
- Indian offerings responsive to global culinary trends
The window of opportunity is overflowing, and all that is needed is a well-executed blueprint, dependable stakeholders, and a daring vision.
