Functions of the Division
The mandate of EP (Agri) Division is to contribute towards formulating of Export Policy of agricultural products and also facilitating and promoting exports of agriculture & allied products (other than plantation crops – tea, coffee, rubber & spices and marine products). The Division also handles SPS (Sanitary & Phytosanitary) & TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) issues related to agriculture exports and Biotechnology matters.
The Division also handles the work related to the meetings of Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by Secretary (DFPD) and the Committee of Secretaries, which regularly meet to review the prices of essential commodities. Commerce Secretary is a member of both the committees. As per the decisions taken by IMC and CoS, the Division notifies the import policies of pulses.
The Division exercises administrative control over the following autonomous organizations:
- Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- Tobacco Board
In addition to the above, the Division also has two Export Promotion Councils, i.e. Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) and The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI), under its purview.
Officers in the Division
- Shri Diwakar Nath Misra : Joint Secretary
- Ms. Parul Singh : Deputy Secretary
- Ms. Nidhi Sharma : Under Secretary, EP (Agri.I , III & VI) Desks
- Shri Padmanav Behera : Under Secretary, EP (Agri. II) Desk
- Shri Sandeep Verma : Under Secretary, EP (Agri. IV) Desk
- Shri Rajan Sharma : Deputy Director
- Shri Arun Kumar T : Deputy Director
Bilateral Trade Statistics
Export Statistics in respect of products handled by EP (Agri) Division, for the past five years, are as under:
Values in USD $ Million
| S.No | Commodity | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 2018-2019 | 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | RICE (OTHER THAN BASMATI) | 2,525.19 | 3,636.60 | 3,038.16 | 2,031.25 | 4,794.54 |
| 2. | RICE -BASMATI | 3,208.60 | 4,169.56 | 4,712.44 | 4,372.00 | 4,018.64 |
| 3. | BUFFALO MEAT | 3,903.49 | 4,037.11 | 3,587.15 | 3,199.60 | 3,171.13 |
| 4. | SUGAR | 1,290.71 | 810.90 | 1,360.29 | 1,966.44 | 2,789.97 |
| 5. | COTTON RAW INCLD. WASTE | 1,621.11 | 1,894.25 | 2,104.41 | 1,057.34 | 1,897.20 |
| 6. | OIL MEALS | 805.45 | 1,093.16 | 1,508.65 | 827.90 | 1,575.34 |
| 7. | CASTOR OIL | 674.73 | 1,043.99 | 883.78 | 894.36 | 917.24 |
| 8. | MISC PROCESSED ITEMS | 455.59 | 550.55 | 659.18 | 647.07 | 864.08 |
| 9. | FRESH FRUITS | 743.23 | 761.79 | 795.29 | 770.25 | 765.62 |
| 10. | GROUNDNUT | 809.60 | 524.82 | 472.59 | 715.81 | 727.36 |
| 11. | FRESH VEGETABLES | 863.12 | 821.76 | 812.00 | 651.68 | 721.47 |
| 12. | PROCESSED FRUITS AND JUICES | 584.79 | 646.92 | 639.65 | 646.83 | 694.14 |
| 13. | CEREAL PREPARATIONS | 531.70 | 552.61 | 551.72 | 548.29 | 634.84 |
| 14. | VEGETABLE OILS | 116.29 | 87.83 | 106.79 | 170.09 | 602.77 |
| 15. | WHEAT | 66.85 | 96.72 | 60.24 | 62.82 | 549.16 |
| 16. | TOBACCO UNMANUFACTURED | 634.38 | 593.88 | 570.30 | 530.38 | 517.48 |
| 17. | SESAME SEEDS | 402.17 | 463.90 | 538.96 | 525.57 | 425.60 |
| 18. | SUGAR | 1490.52 | 1290.71 | 810.90 | 1360.29 | 1964.79 |
| 19. | PROCESSED VEGETABLES | 263.57 | 282.87 | 293.96 | 311.71 | 424.51 |
| 20. | CASHEW | 786.93 | 922.41 | 654.43 | 566.82 | 420.43 |
| 21. | TOBACCO MANUFACTURED | 324.31 | 340.37 | 411.04 | 374.77 | 359.03 |
| 22. | ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | 298.90 | 326.67 | 300.91 | 232.68 | 330.09 |
| 23. | DAIRY PRODUCTS | 253.73 | 303.05 | 481.55 | 280.43 | 321.95 |
| 24. | PULSES | 191.05 | 227.75 | 259.35 | 213.67 | 265.53 |
| 25. | GUERGAM MEAL | 463.35 | 646.94 | 674.88 | 461.53 | 262.99 |
| 26. | MILLED PRODUCTS | 121.37 | 136.01 | 151.86 | 151.56 | 206.96 |
| 29. | MOLLASES | 47.06 | 15.06 | 83.79 | 72.97 | 171.04 |
| 30. | COCOA PRODUCTS | 162.18 | 177.47 | 192.69 | 180.10 | 149.77 |
| 31. | FRUITS / VEGETABLE SEEDS | 78.16 | 104.04 | 124.93 | 109.24 | 125.14 |
| 32. | SHELLAC | 33.60 | 44.22 | 43.70 | 57.90 | 87.83 |
| 33. | FLORICLTR PRODUCTS | 81.55 | 78.73 | 81.78 | 76.52 | 77.84 |
| 34. | PROCESSED MEAT | 0.96 | 0.69 | 1.54 | 2.00 | 2.17 |
| 35. | DAIRY PRODUCTS | 256.95 | 253.73 | 303.05 | 481.55 | 280.22 |
| 36. | POULTRY PRODUCTS | 117.49 | 79.11 | 85.70 | 98.15 | 81.03 |
| 37. | OTHER OIL SEEDS | 126.00 | 174.79 | 131.57 | 61.79 | 61.27 |
| 38. | POULTRY PRODUCTS | 79.11 | 85.70 | 98.15 | 81.04 | 58.70 |
| 39. | ANIMAL CASINGS | 2.06 | 50.68 | 68.27 | 56.10 | 56.23 |
| 40. | SHEEP/GOAT MEAT | 129.69 | 130.90 | 124.65 | 92.62 | 44.64 |
| 41. | NIGER SEEDS | 17.46 | 10.84 | 13.64 | 14.91 | 21.58 |
| 42. | CASHEW NUT SHELL LIQUID | 6.56 | 5.06 | 3.87 | 3.25 | 2.66 |
| 43. | OTHER MEAT | 0.03 | 1.09 | 1.96 | 2.35 | 2.47 |
| 44. | PROCESSED MEAT | 0.69 | 1.54 | 2.00 | 2.17 | 1.71 |
| TOTAL (Agri & Allied) | 22,916.66 | 26,101.10 | 26,949.55 | 23,227.00 | 29,814.45 | |
| GROWTH (%) | -2.71 | 13.90 | 3.25 | -13.81 | 28.3 | |
| TOTAL: EXPORTS | 2,75,852.43 | 3,03,526.16 | 3,30,078.09 | 3,13,361.04 | 2,91,105.77 | |
| SHARE OF AGRI EXPORTS | 8.31 | 8.60 | 8.16 | 7.41 | 10.24 |
Trade Agreements & Negotiations
Not applicable.
Trade Promotion Activities
Following Policy initiatives have been taken during recent years to promote exports of agricultural products:
Agriculture Export Policy
Department of Commerce has brought out a comprehensive “Agriculture Export Policy” aimed at doubling the agricultural exports and integrating Indian farmers and agricultural products with the global value chains. The Agriculture Export Policy has the following vision.
“Harness export potential of Indian agriculture, through suitable policy instruments, to make India global power in agriculture and raise farmers’ income.”
Objectives of the Agriculture Export Policy are as under:
- To diversify our export basket, destinations and boost high value and value added agricultural exports including focus on perishables.
- To promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and nontraditional Agri products exports.
- To provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and deal with sanitary and phytosanitary issues.
- To strive to double India’s share in world agri exports by integrating with global value chain at the earliest.
- Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in overseas market.
Actions taken to implement AEP
- The first ever Agriculture Export Policy (AEP) was introduced by the Government in December 2018.
- As a part of the process of implementation of AEP, eighteen States viz. Maharashtra, U.P., Kerala, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Manipur, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram and Uttarakhand and the 2 UTs viz Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have finalized the State specific Action Plan.
- The State Level Monitoring committee (SLMC) has been formed in 25 States and 4 UTs. 28 States & 4 UTs have nominated respective Nodal agencies for implementation of AEP.
Cluster Development
- As part of the Agriculture Export Policy, 46 unique product-district clusters have been identified for export promotion
- 29 Cluster Level Committees have been formed in cluster districts of different clusters.
- Cluster activation for export: DoC intervened through APEDA for linking FPOs & exporters for activation of clusters. After the said linking, transportation/logistics issues were solved and exports took place from land locked clusters. Following are some of the success stories:
- Varanasi cluster (Fresh Vegetables): Till date, 48 MT of Fresh Vegetables (green chilly, long guard, green peas & cucumber), 10 MT of Mangoes (Banarasi, Langra, Ramkheda &Chausa) and 532 MT of Black rice have been exported from the cluster through FPOs.
- Ananthpur Cluster (Banana): During the recent season (Jan-April 2021), 30,291 MT of banana have been dispatched from Ananthpur in Andhra Pradesh through 9 reefer rail movements and exported to Middle East.
- Nagpur cluster (Orange): 115 MT of Nagpur Oranges and 45 MT of Ambiyabahar season Oranges have been exported to Middle East Countries by sea (for the first time) and supplied to top supermarkets i.e. Lulu Super mart, Safari Mall, Nesto, etc.
- Lucknow cluster (Mango): 80.25 MT of mangoes (Dasheri, Langra, and Bombay green) have been exported from Lucknow cluster to Middle East countries.
- Theni cluster (Banana): During the last one year till date, 2400 MT of Cavendish and 1560 MT of G9 & Nendran banana have been exported from the cluster.
- Pomegranate Cluster, Maharashtra – The export of Pomegranates from Solapur cluster district was 32,315 MT during the year 2020-21. Three FPOs formed by NABARD in the district are working for promoting exports.
- Mango Cluster, Andhra Pradesh – In the current season, a consignment of Banganapalli (GI certified) & Survarnarekha mangoes (2.5 MTs) sourced from farmers in Krishna & Chittoor cluster districts was exported to South Korea on 06, May, 2021. Total 109 MT mangoes was exported to Middle East, EU, UK, and New Zealand from the cluster. During this mango season, a total quantity of 4000MT of mangoes was transported from Krishna cluster district, Andhra Pradesh to Delhi by rail.
- Mango Cluster, Telangana – So far, more than 100 MT of fresh mangoes have been exported to EU, UK, Middle East.
- Rose Onion cluster, Karnataka – Around 7168 MT of Rose onions have been exported from the Cluster to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from October 2020 to December 2020.
- Banana Cluster, Gujarat – During April 2020 till date, 6198.26 MT of fresh banana has been exported to Middle East countries viz. Bahrain, Dubai, Georgia, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Iraq etc. from the cluster comprising Surat, Narmada & Bharuch.
- Banana Cluster, Maharashtra – During 2020-21, 3278, 280 & 90 containers of Banana have been exported from Solapur, Jalgaon & Kolhapur respectively.
- Onion Cluster, Maharashtra – During January to 15April 2021, 10,697 MT of fresh Onions has been exported from Nasik cluster to multiple destinations in SE Asia, Middle East, Bangladesh. Fourteen FPOs formed by NABARD in the district are working for promoting exports.
- Grapes Cluster, Maharashtra – During 2020-21, so far, 6797 containers of 91,762 MT of fresh grapes have been exported to EU from Nasik cluster district. 1013 containers of 13,884 MT and one container of Raisin have been exported from the cluster district of Sangli to EU and other countries.
- These clusters have been activated by utilizing the existing resources, with little or no additional investments. Exports from these clusters are taking place on regular basis.
- Country specific agri export strategy reports: An interaction was carried out with 60 Indian Missions and stakeholders to identify the products, their potential and way forward for preparing the country-wise agri-export strategy. The information was compiled, a SWOT analysis was done and the missions were asked to vet the draft reports. The reports have been shared with various stakeholders.
- Report on product-specific measures: A detailed analysis was carried out to address the requirements of SPS/TBT issues existing in trade, for boosting exports of India. The report titled “Tariff Disadvantages of India’s Agricultural Exports” is based on the potential export products identified for boosting exports under Agriculture Export Policy. The report contains following information:-
- Applicable Tariff rates of Indian agriculture export products into importing countries.
- Tariff duty for India’s Competitor into Importing Countries for Agriculture exports.
- Tariff disadvantages in the potential market for India in agriculture exports.
- Key actionable points
- Virtual Buyer Seller Meets – A series of V-BSMs (Twenty four V-BSMs) have been organized with UAE, Kuwait, Indonesia, Switzerland, Belgium, Iran, Canada (Organic products), UAE & USA (GI products), Germany, South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Oman, Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Netherlands, Brunei and Cambodia (Animal products). E-catalogues were released while each BSM having details of participant exporters, importers, Trade associations.
- Virtual Trade Fair (VTF) – APEDA took an initiative to develop its own Virtual Trade Fair (VTF) application, and same has been developed. The virtual platform will provide an opportunity for agri importers of several countries and our exporters to interact through participation. The first Virtual Trade Fair was organized for Cereals product sector during 10-12th March 2021. The next VTF for Fresh fruits and vegetables was held from 27-29th May2021.
- Agri Cells at different Embassies of India-APEDA is consulting 13 Agri Cells in our Missions in different countries seeking inputs on real-time basis to further strengthen the existing Market Intelligence cell. The consolidated reports received from Agri Cells are being referred to while preparing the strategy pertaining to the specific countries.
- Farmer Connect Portal: A Farmer Connect Portal has been set up on APEDA’s website for providing a platform for FPOs/FPCs, cooperatives to interact with exporters. Around 2360 FPO/FPCs and 2324 exporters have been registered in the portal so far.
Mandatory disclosures under RTI Act
Details of Boards, Councils etc. under the Division
Tobacco Board
- G.T. Road, Srinivasarao Thota,Guntur – 522 004 Andhra Pradesh, India
- +91-863-2358399, 2358499, 2327550, 2358531, 2327555, 2327554, 2327556, 91-863-2354232 (F)
- info@indiantobacco.com
- tobaccoboard.com
Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- NCUI Building, 3 Siri Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi – 110 016
- 91-11-26513204, 26514572, 26534186, 91-11-26526187 (F)
- headq@apeda.gov.in
- apeda.gov.in
Indian Oilseeds And Produce Export Promotion Council
- 78/79, Bajaj Bhavan, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021.Maharashtra, India
- (91 – 22) 2202 3225 / 9295, (91 – 22) 2202 9236(F)
- info@iopepc.org
- www.iopepc.org
The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India
- Cashew Bhavan, Mundakkal, Kollam – 691001, Kerala, India.
- 474 2704/2761003, (91 – 22) 0474 2742704 (F)
- cepci.kollam@cashewindia.org
- www.cashewindia.org
Directory of Officers & Employees
Sh. Diwakar Nath Misra | Joint Secretary
- Tel : 23062704
- Email : diwakar[dot]misra[at]nic[dot]in
Ms. Parul Singh | Deputy Secretary
- Tel : 2306 1845
- Email : parul[dot]singh01[at]gov[dot]in
Ms. Nidhi Sharma | Section Officer
- EP (Agri.I , III & VI) Desk
- Tel : 23062261 (654)
- Email : moc_epagri3[at]nic[dot]in
Shri Padmanav Behera | Under Secretary
- EP (Agri.II) Desk
- Tel : 23062261 (495)
- Email : moc_epagri2[at]nic[dot]in
Sh. Sandeep Verma | Under Secretary
- EP (Agri.IV) Desk
- 23062261 (492)
- Email : moc_epagri1[at]nic[dot]in
Details of Public Information Officers
| DESK | ACPIO | CPIO | FAA |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP (Agri.I & VI) Desk | Ms. Nidhi Sharma. Under Secretary | Ms. Parul Singh, Deputy Secretary | Sh. Diwakar Nath Misra, Joint Secretary |
| EP (Agri.II) Desk | Sh. P. Behera, Under Secretary | Ms. Parul Singh, Deputy Secretary | Sh. Diwakar Nath Misra, Joint Secretary |
| EP (Agri.III) Desk | Ms. Nidhi Sharma, Under Secretary | Ms. Parul Singh, Deputy Secretary | Sh. Diwakar Nath Misra, Joint Secretary |
| EP (Agri.IV) Desk | Sh. Sandeep Verma, Under Secretary | Ms. Parul Singh, Deputy Secretary | Sh. Diwakar Nath Misra, Joint Secretary |