ENA Sectors 2023-12-26 14:40:53 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Dec 26 (KNN)</strong> Five products such as basmati rice, non-basmati rice, sugar, spices, and oil meals account for 51.5 per cent of Indias total agriculture exports, a report by economic think tank GTRI said on Monday</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This makes Indias agri export basket dependent on just five commodities including rice and sugar which makes the sector vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices and demand, said the report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Furthermore, India grapples with various domestic challenges including infrastructural deficits, quality control issues, and non-tariff barriers, all of which impede the growth and competitiveness of its agricultural sector, it said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This makes them (agri exports) vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices and demand, it said, adding these commodities also face frequent export bans in India.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">At present export of non-basmati rice is currently banned from India and India is also fighting at the WTO (World Trade Organisation) to protect subsidies to rice and wheat under a public stock holding programme.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Besides, certain WTO member countries have taken India to disputes on sugar for providing subsidies to farmers. All this makes India's top exports vulnerable and uncertain, it added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To deal with the issue, the think tank has suggested the government to focus on areas like modern infrastructure for the sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The report said China with higher rice productivity does not encourage export of rice as every kg of rice products can consume up to 80 litres of water.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">It also said that in 2023, India's agricultural trade landscape presents a challenging scenario.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">With agriculture exports and imports projected to reach USD 43.3 billion and USD 33 billion, respectively, the sector is experiencing a significant downturn compared to the previous year, it added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 36027 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/five-products-account-for-half-of-agri-exports-gtri 2023-12-26 14:40:53 knnindia.co.in