India Must Expand Fruit And Vegetable Exports To Boost Farmers’ Income: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stressed the need for India to significantly expand exports of fruits and vegetables in order to improve farmers’ income, create employment opportunities, and increase foreign exchange earnings.

Speaking during the two-day ‘Fruit Horizon 2026’ programme in Lucknow, the minister said the initiative aims to strengthen fruit production, improve crop quality, and expand food processing infrastructure across the country.

Chouhan highlighted that India is among the world’s leading producers of fruits such as mangoes, grapes, bananas, and litchis, but noted that export volumes remain relatively low despite strong production capabilities.

“The quantity and quality of fruits produced in India are among the best globally, especially mangoes. However, our exports have not reached their true potential,” the minister said.

He added that increasing exports would directly benefit farmers by raising incomes while also contributing to job creation and stronger foreign exchange reserves for the country.

As part of the initiative, another programme is scheduled to take place at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) campus in Rahman Khera, where discussions will continue on improving agricultural export systems and infrastructure.

The government has brought together farmers, exporters, processors, and agencies including Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), MIDH, and ICAR to address major challenges facing the sector.

Key discussions during the event focused on increasing shelf life of produce, reducing freight costs, improving transportation systems, expanding cold storage facilities, and strengthening ripening infrastructure.

Chouhan said some issues could be addressed immediately, while others would require long-term scientific research and technological development. He added that dedicated research teams have already been formed to work on improving storage life and overall export readiness of Indian produce.

The minister reiterated that the government is committed to creating better opportunities for farmers and exporters by improving infrastructure, boosting processing capabilities, and helping Indian agricultural products access larger international markets.