India’s Agri and Processed Food Exports Rise 7% to $5.96 Billion in Q1 FY2025–26

Infographic showing India’s 7% rise in agri and processed food exports to $5.96 billion in Q1 FY26 with rice, buffalo meat, and fresh produce icons.

Introduction

India’s agricultural and processed food product exports registered a strong performance in the first quarter of FY2025–26, with total shipments reaching $5.96 billion, a 7.1% increase year-on-year. The growth was largely driven by strong international demand for rice, buffalo meat, and fruits & vegetables.

Key Highlights of Q1 Agri Exports

Total exports: $5.96 billion (↑ 7.1% YoY)
Rice exports: $2.9 billion (↑ 3.5%)
Buffalo meat exports: $1.18 billion (↑ 17%)
Fruits & vegetables: $0.95 billion (↑ 13%)

Also Read – India’s Rice Production Forecast to Hit Record 151 MT in 2025–26

Strong Performance in Rice Exports

India exported $2.9 billion worth of rice (including basmati and non-basmati varieties) in April–June 2025, recording a 3.5% increase over the same period last year. In FY2024–25, rice exports reached a record $12.47 billion, a 20% rise from the previous year.

Factors Driving Demand

Global rice shortage due to lower stocks in Myanmar and Pakistan
Eased export restrictions since September 2024
India’s dominant 40% share in the global rice trade

Also Read – Global Demand For Premium Basmati Rice Rises: Top Opportunities for Indian Exporters

Buffalo Meat Exports Witness Double-Digit Growth

Buffalo meat exports surged 17% to $1.18 billion in Q1. India continues to be the second-largest global exporter in this category. Major destinations include:

Vietnam
Malaysia
Egypt
Iraq
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) oversees buffalo meat exports, ensuring quality via approved meat processing units inspected by importing countries.

Fruit and Vegetable Exports Continue to Expand

Fresh and processed fruits and vegetables exports rose 13% year-on-year, reaching $950 million in Q1 FY26. Products witnessing growing demand globally include:

Bananas
Mangoes
Fruit juices
Vegetable seeds
Processed vegetables

APEDA Basket Leads India’s Agri Export Growth

The export of products under the APEDA basket stood at $25.14 billion in FY2024–25, a 12% rise over the previous fiscal year. These products constitute 51% of India’s total agricultural exports.

Also Read – India Set to Become the World’s Largest Rice Producer in 2024–25

Conclusion

India’s agri and food processing exports continue to perform strongly, backed by robust demand, streamlined trade policies, and high-quality products. With increasing interest from global markets and improved crop output, the export outlook for the rest of FY2025–26 remains positive.