EXPORT AND IMPORT PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES IN INDIA

ABSTRACTAgriculture occupies a central position in the Indian economy, contributingsignificantly to employment, food security, rural livelihoods, and foreign exchangeearnings. Despite the growing importance of the industrial and service sectors,agriculture continues to support nearly half of India's workforce and remains a keydriver of inclusive economic development. The study examines the trends and growthpattern of exports and imports of agricultural commodities in India during the studyperiod and it analyzes the commodity-wise performance of major agricultural exportsand imports in terms of quantity, value, and their contribution to India's agriculturaltrade. The study further evaluates the competitiveness and trade performance ofIndian agricultural commodities in the international market using appropriatestatistical and trade indicators. The study is based on Secondary data and therequired data is collected from Agricultural and Processed Food Products ExportDevelopment Authority. The analysis is carried from the period of 2013-14 to 2024-25. The tools adopted for study are Common Size method, Agricultural Export andImport Trade Balance and Growth of Export and Import in India. Agricultural tradeplays a significant role in India's economic development by generating foreignexchange, enhancing farmers' income, ensuring food security, and strengthening thecountry's integration with the global economy. The analysis of export and importperformance indicates that India has established a strong position in the internationalmarket for several agricultural commodities, including rice, spices, marine products,tea, coffee, cotton, and sugar. The study concludes that although India's agriculturalexports have shown encouraging growth over the years, sustaining this growthrequires continuous improvement in productivity, value addition, supply chainefficiency, quality assurance, and market diversification. Reducing importdependence on selected agricultural commodities through increased domesticproduction and technological advancements is equally important for improving theagricultural trade balance.