Piyush Goyal has urged stakeholders from the food, agriculture and hospitality sectors to work together to position India as the world’s largest exporter of agricultural and processed food products, highlighting the growing opportunities created by expanding trade agreements and rising global demand for Indian products.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair in New Delhi on Tuesday, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister said that India’s exports of food and agricultural products—including farm produce and fisheries—have reached nearly ₹5 lakh crore (over $55 billion) annually. This performance has made India the seventh-largest exporter of agricultural produce globally.
Goyal noted that the country’s agri and food exports have grown significantly over the past 11 years, from 2014 to 2025. During this period, exports of processed foods have increased fourfold, while fruit and pulses exports have tripled. Processed vegetable exports have also quadrupled, cocoa exports have tripled, and cereal exports have doubled. Rice exports alone have recorded a growth of 62 per cent.
He said these achievements should encourage India to aim for the top position globally in agricultural and processed food exports. According to the minister, the goal aligns with the vision of Narendra Modi of making India the “food basket of the world.”
Goyal highlighted that India has concluded nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the past three and a half years, providing access to markets in 38 developed and prosperous countries. These agreements have created significant opportunities for Indian exporters. He added that India now enjoys preferential market access covering nearly two-thirds of global trade, strengthening its position as an attractive investment destination and enabling businesses to integrate more effectively into global value chains.
The minister emphasised that while negotiating FTAs, the government has ensured protection for domestic stakeholders, particularly farmers, fishermen and MSMEs. Sensitive sectors such as dairy have been safeguarded, with no concessions granted to foreign producers. Likewise, genetically modified (GM) products have not been provided duty concessions or market access.
He further clarified that important agricultural commodities including rice, wheat, maize, soy meal and several varieties of pulses have been protected during trade negotiations. In the sugar sector as well, concessions have largely been avoided to prevent imports that could harm domestic producers and sugarcane farmers.
Goyal said these steps help preserve India’s domestic strengths while simultaneously creating new global opportunities for Indian products. He also called on industry stakeholders to raise awareness at the grassroots level about how India’s FTAs protect national interests while expanding international trade prospects.
Encouraging farmers and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in food processing and value addition, the minister highlighted the government’s ₹1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund as a key support mechanism. He said such initiatives can help farmers access higher-value global markets and noted that a growing number of small enterprises are entering the food processing sector, generating new avenues for growth and employment.
Goyal also announced that this year’s AAHAR exhibition features a partner country for the first time, with Italy taking on the role. He further stated that the exhibition would be opened to the general public on March 13 and continue through Saturday, allowing visitors—especially young people—to explore the strengths of the food, beverage and hospitality sectors from India and around the world.