Millets, often called “nutri-cereals,” are small grains packed with nutrition, and they’re making a big splash in global markets. India, the world’s largest producer of millets, is leading the charge in millet exports from India, tapping into the rising demand for healthy and sustainable foods. But millets aren’t the only star in India’s agricultural export story. Products like pulses export from India, agriculture products export from India, dry fruits exporters in India, dehydrated vegetables export, and spices export from India are also gaining traction. In this blog, we’ll explore why millet exports from India are booming, how businesses can seize this opportunity, and what makes India a powerhouse in agricultural exports. Let’s dive in!
Why Are Millet Exports from India Growing?
Millets like jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), and ragi (finger millet) are superfoods. They’re gluten-free, rich in fiber, and perfect for health-conscious consumers. The global demand for millet exports from India has surged due to their nutritional benefits and ability to grow in tough climates. In 2022–2023, India exported 169,049 metric tonnes of millets, worth $75.45 million, a 20% increase from the previous year. Why is this happening? The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, boosting global awareness. Countries like the UAE, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia are hungry for Indian millets, making millet exports from India a golden opportunity for exporters.
How Do Millets Fit into India’s Agricultural Export Basket?
India is a global leader in agriculture products export from India, with millets, pulses, spices, dry fruits, and dehydrated vegetables leading the way. While millet exports from India are on the rise, other categories like pulses export from India (lentils, chickpeas) and spices export from India (turmeric, cumin, cardamom) are already well-established. For instance, India exported $34.32 million worth of millets in 2021–2022, but spices export from India reached $4 billion in the same period. Dry fruits exporters in India supply almonds, cashews, and raisins to markets like the USA and Europe, while dehydrated vegetables export caters to the growing demand for ready-to-use ingredients. Together, these products showcase India’s agricultural diversity.
Where Are Millet Exports from India Headed?
The top destinations for millet exports from India include the UAE (29,548 metric tonnes), Nepal (16,866 metric tonnes), and Saudi Arabia (16,646 metric tonnes). These countries value millets for their health benefits and versatility in dishes like porridge, bread, and snacks. Meanwhile, pulses export from India thrives in markets like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and spices export from India dominates in the USA and China. Dry fruits exporters in India and dehydrated vegetables export are popular in Europe, where consumers seek quality and sustainability. India’s strategic trade agreements and government initiatives, like those from APEDA, make it easier to reach these markets.
When Is the Best Time to Export Millets?
Timing is key in millet exports from India. Millets are grown in two seasons: Kharif (May–October) and Rabi (October–March). Exports peak after harvests, with October–December for Kharif crops like foxtail millet and March–May for Rabi crops like jowar. Exporters must align their supply chain to ensure fresh, high-quality millets reach global buyers. Similarly, pulses export from India and dehydrated vegetables export follow seasonal patterns, while spices export from India and dry fruits exporters in India maintain year-round demand due to their long shelf life.
What Challenges Do Exporters Face?
Exporting millets isn’t without hurdles. Despite India producing 40% of the world’s millets, only a small fraction is exported. Why? Limited processing infrastructure and strict international standards are big challenges. For millet exports from India, exporters need to meet phytosanitary requirements and obtain certifications from APEDA and FSSAI. Similar issues affect pulses export from India and dehydrated vegetables export, where quality control is critical. Dry fruits exporters in India and spices export from India also face competition from countries like Vietnam and Turkey. However, with proper planning, these challenges can be overcome.
How Can Exporters Succeed in Millet Exports?
To succeed in millet exports from India, businesses must focus on quality, compliance, and market research. Here’s how:
- Source Quality Millets: Partner with farmers in states like Rajasthan and Karnataka for premium millets.
- Process and Package Well: Use food-grade packaging and clear labeling to meet international standards.
- Get Certifications: Obtain APEDA and FSSAI approvals to ensure compliance.
- Leverage Digital Platforms: Use trade fairs and e-catalogues to connect with global buyers. These strategies also apply to pulses export from India, spices export from India, dry fruits exporters in India, and dehydrated vegetables export.
Why Choose Indian Agricultural Exports?
India’s agricultural products are trusted worldwide for their quality and affordability. Millet exports from India stand out for their sustainability, as millets require less water than rice or wheat. Pulses export from India supports global food security, while spices export from India adds flavor to cuisines worldwide. Dry fruits exporters in India and dehydrated vegetables export cater to the growing demand for healthy, convenient foods. By exporting these products, India strengthens its economy and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are millets, and why are they popular?
Millets are small, nutrient-rich grains like jowar, bajra, and ragi. They’re popular for being gluten-free and sustainable. - Which countries import millet exports from India?
Top importers include the UAE, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. - How can I start millet exports from India?
Register your firm, get an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), and comply with APEDA and FSSAI standards. - What other products are part of agriculture products export from India?
Pulses, spices, dry fruits, and dehydrated vegetables are major exports. - Why is pulses export from India important?
Pulses like lentils and chickpeas are high in protein and in demand globally. - What makes spices export from India successful?
India’s spices, like turmeric and cumin, are known for their quality and flavor. - Who are the leading dry fruits exporters in India?
Companies like Quessentials and Earthling export almonds, cashews, and more. - How does dehydrated vegetables export work?
Vegetables are dried, packaged, and shipped to markets needing long-shelf-life products. - When is the best time for millet exports from India?
Exports peak after Kharif (October–December) and Rabi (March–May) harvests. - Where can exporters find support for millet exports from India?
APEDA and the Indian Institute of Millets Research offer guidance and resources.
Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity with Field To Feed Export
The rise of millet exports from India is a game-changer for exporters. With global demand for healthy, sustainable foods growing, now is the time to tap into agriculture products export from India. Whether it’s pulses export from India, spices export from India, dry fruits exporters in India, or dehydrated vegetables export, India offers endless possibilities. At Field To Feed Export, we specialize in connecting farmers to global markets, ensuring top-quality millets and other agricultural products reach buyers worldwide. Trust Field To Feed Export to help you navigate the export process with ease and success. Contact us today to start your journey in millet exports from India!