India’s Agricultural Exports: Insights for 2025
Explore India’s 2025 state-wise agricultural export values, led by Gujarat & Maharashtra. Discover top products & challenges in this $48.15B market.
India’s agricultural sector plays a crucial role, not only in sustaining its vast population but also in generating significant revenue through exports.
By 2025, agricultural exports from India are expected to make a notable impact on the global stage, with an estimated total value of approximately $48.15 billion for the fiscal year 2024 (April 2023–March 2024).
However, the contributions vary across different states and Union Territories (UTs). In this analysis, we will examine the agricultural export values by state in India for 2025, identify the leading contributors, and investigate the reasons behind the varying levels of success among states.
This blog aims to present a straightforward, analytical overview filled with insights for those interested in India’s agricultural exports.
The Overview: India’s Position in the Global Market
India stands as the eighth-largest exporter of agricultural goods worldwide, accounting for a 2.5% share of global agricultural exports in 2023.
Although there was a slight decrease from $51.12 billion in FY23 to $48.77 billion in FY24, India’s agricultural exports in 2025 remain robust, propelled by commodities such as rice, marine products, spices, and others.
The leading agricultural products exported from India encompass basmati and non-basmati rice, marine products, spices, sugar, pulses, tea, coffee, fruits, vegetables, and tobacco.
These goods are exported to various countries, including the USA, UAE, China, and Bangladesh, highlighting the significance of agricultural exports to India’s economy.
Agriculture contributes approximately 11.9% to India’s total exports, underscoring the essential role of farming in the nation’s trade.
State-Wise Agricultural Export Value in India (Billion USD)
| Rank | Region | Export Value (Billion USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gujarat | 7.20 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 6.80 |
| 3 | Andhra Pradesh | 6.00 |
| 4 | Tamil Nadu | 5.50 |
| 5 | West Bengal | 5.00 |
| 6 | Uttar Pradesh | 4.50 |
| 7 | Karnataka | 4.00 |
| 8 | Punjab | 3.50 |
| 9 | Kerala | 3.00 |
| 10 | Odisha | 2.00 |
| 11 | Haryana | 1.50 |
| 12 | Madhya Pradesh | 1.20 |
| 13 | Telangana | 1.00 |
| 14 | Rajasthan | 0.80 |
| 15 | Delhi | 0.50 |
| 16 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0.00 |
| 17 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 18 | Assam | 0.00 |
| 19 | Bihar | 0.00 |
| 20 | Chandigarh | 0.00 |
| 21 | Chhattisgarh | 0.00 |
| 22 | DNHDD | 0.00 |
| 23 | Goa | 0.00 |
| 24 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 25 | Jammu and Kashmir | 0.00 |
| 26 | Jharkhand | 0.00 |
| 27 | Ladakh | 0.00 |
| 28 | Lakshadweep | 0.00 |
| 29 | Manipur | 0.00 |
| 30 | Meghalaya | 0.00 |
| 31 | Mizoram | 0.00 |
| 32 | Nagaland | 0.00 |
| 33 | Puducherry | 0.00 |
| 34 | Sikkim | 0.00 |
| 35 | Tripura | 0.00 |
| 36 | Uttarakhand | 0.00 |
State-Wise Agricultural Export Share in India (%)
| Rank | Region | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gujarat | 14.95 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 14.12 |
| 3 | Andhra Pradesh | 12.46 |
| 4 | Tamil Nadu | 11.42 |
| 5 | West Bengal | 10.38 |
| 6 | Uttar Pradesh | 9.35 |
| 7 | Karnataka | 8.31 |
| 8 | Punjab | 7.27 |
| 9 | Kerala | 6.23 |
| 10 | Odisha | 4.15 |
| 11 | Haryana | 3.12 |
| 12 | Madhya Pradesh | 2.49 |
| 13 | Telangana | 2.08 |
| 14 | Rajasthan | 1.66 |
| 15 | Delhi | 1.04 |
| 16 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0.00 |
| 17 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 18 | Assam | 0.00 |
| 19 | Bihar | 0.00 |
| 20 | Chandigarh | 0.00 |
| 21 | Chhattisgarh | 0.00 |
| 22 | DNHDD | 0.00 |
| 23 | Goa | 0.00 |
| 24 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.00 |
| 25 | Jammu and Kashmir | 0.00 |
| 26 | Jharkhand | 0.00 |
| 27 | Ladakh | 0.00 |
| 28 | Lakshadweep | 0.00 |
| 29 | Manipur | 0.00 |
| 30 | Meghalaya | 0.00 |
| 31 | Mizoram | 0.00 |
| 32 | Nagaland | 0.00 |
| 33 | Puducherry | 0.00 |
| 34 | Sikkim | 0.00 |
| 35 | Tripura | 0.00 |
| 36 | Uttarakhand | 0.00 |
Why These States Lead
Gujarat ($7.2B): Gujarat ranks first in India for agriculture exports. It serves as a hub for marine products (such as shrimp), cotton, and oilseeds.
The state’s extensive coastline and robust port infrastructure, including Mundra, facilitate the shipping of goods to the USA and China. Additionally, Gujarat’s emphasis on cash crops and processed foods enhances its export share.
Maharashtra ($6.8B): Following closely behind Gujarat, Maharashtra excels in marine products, fruits (notably mangoes), and sugar.
The ports of Mumbai and its sophisticated cold storage facilities enable exports to the UAE and Europe. The state’s varied climate allows for a diverse array of crops.
Andhra Pradesh ($6B): Renowned for its seafood, particularly shrimp, Andhra Pradesh is a significant contributor to India’s agricultural exports, with strong markets in the USA and China.
Its coastal advantages and investments in aquaculture position it as a leader in this sector.
Tamil Nadu ($5.5B): Tamil Nadu is prominent in the export of spices, rice, and marine products. The ports located in Chennai and Tuticorin, along with a focus on value-added products such as processed spices, maintain its high ranking in exports.
West Bengal ($5B): This state is a major player in rice and marine exports. The port of Kolkata and its proximity to Bangladesh make it a crucial exporter to South Asia.
Uttar Pradesh ($4.5B): UP is a leader in the export of basmati rice and buffalo meat, with significant shipments to the Middle East. Its substantial agricultural output and improving infrastructure enhance its competitive edge.
Karnataka ($4B): Coffee is the standout export of Karnataka, with shipments to Europe and the USA. The state also cultivates spices and fruits, supported by efficient logistics.
Punjab ($3.5B): Known for its rice and wheat, Punjab maintains strong export levels despite government restrictions on non-basmati rice. Its fertile lands ensure its position within the top 10.
Kerala ($3B): Spices and tea from Kerala are favorites worldwide. Its ports and emphasis on organic products contribute to its competitive standing.
Odisha ($2B): Odisha plays a role in exports through marine products and rice, with increasing shipments to Asia.
Why Certain States Fall Behind
Numerous states and Union Territories (UTs), such as Assam, Bihar, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep, exhibit a zero export value.
What accounts for this? Several factors contribute:
- Geographical Isolation: States like Chhattisgarh and UTs such as Ladakh experience challenges in exporting due to their remote locations and lack of direct access to ports.
- Insufficient Agricultural Surplus: Regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram prioritize local consumption, resulting in minimal surplus available for export.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: The absence of sufficient cold storage facilities, poor transportation networks, and a lack of processing units impede the export potential of states like Jharkhand and Manipur.
- Limited Size or Low Production: UTs such as Chandigarh and Lakshadweep possess small agricultural sectors, leading to minimal export activity.
Key Products Fueling Exports
The leading products exported from India encompass a variety of agricultural items, but the some agricultural exports truly stand out:
- Rice (Basmati and Non-Basmati): India holds the position of the world’s foremost rice exporter, achieving $11 billion in FY24, with Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab at the forefront.
- Marine Products: Valued at $7.32 billion, shrimp and fish from coastal states like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are predominant in this category.
- Spices: Tamil Nadu and Kerala contribute $4 billion in exports of chili, turmeric, and cumin.
- Sugar, Coffee, Tea, and Tobacco: These commodities collectively generate billions, with Karnataka (coffee) and Kerala (tea) being particularly notable.
- Fruits and Vegetables: The export of mangoes, grapes, and onions from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu is experiencing rapid growth.
Challenges and Opportunities
While India’s agricultural exports are robust in 2025, there are several challenges:
- Export Restrictions: Limitations on rice and sugar aimed at regulating domestic prices negatively impact exports, particularly for states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Global Rivalry: Nations like the USA, a leading agricultural exporter, and Brazil pose significant competition to India’s position in global agricultural exports.
- Elevated Import Expenses: India’s expenditure on edible oils and pulses, amounting to $29.3 billion in FY24, diminishes the trade surplus, adversely affecting states like Madhya Pradesh that have the potential to export more.
However, there is optimism! India can enhance its agricultural export ranking by:
- Market Diversification: In addition to the USA and UAE, Africa and Southeast Asia are emerging as promising markets for India’s agricultural exports.
- Infrastructure Enhancement: Improved cold storage and port facilities can assist states like Odisha and Haryana in increasing their export volumes.
- Emphasizing Value-Added Products: The production of processed foods and organic items can yield higher prices, benefiting states such as Tamil Nadu.
Source
- India Brand Equity Foundation. (2024). Agriculture and allied sectors: Export statistics 2023-2024. Retrieved from https://www.ibef.org/industry/agriculture-india
- Statista. (2024). Agricultural exports from India: Market overview and statistics 2023-2024. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/topics/4866/agriculture-in-india/
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. (2024). Annual report on agricultural exports: FY 2023-2024. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Retrieved from https://apeda.gov.in/
- Indian Express. (2024). India’s agricultural exports: Trends and challenges. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/
