How Sustainable are our Agricultural Exports ?

 Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3 ( Agriculture) Context: Agricultural exports touched $41.8 billion (bn) in fy21—a growth of 18% over fy20 bringing cheer in government circles. Juxtaposed against a target of $60 bn the modi government had set out to achieve by 2022, it falls much short. From a strategic point of view, the key issue is whether this rate can be sustained? Agriculture exports data: Rice ranks first in agri-exports, with 17.7 million tonnes (mt) valued at $8.8 bn. It is followed by marine products ($6 bn), spices ($4 bn), bovine (buffalo) meat ($3.2 bn), sugar ($2.8 bn), etc (see graphics). Of these,....Read More