Export performance and competitiveness of fruits and vegetables from India

The study examined the growth, instability and structural change in exports of major fruits and vegetables from India during the pre-NHM and post-periods. Time-series data for 24 years from 1993–94 to 2016–17 was used. Fruits and vegetables registered higher growth in productivity and production in post-NHM. Regarding exports, growth in quantity, value and unit value was high for grapes in post-NHM and growth in unit value was high for all major fruits in post-NHM. Mango pulp continued to be the largest processed item exported but the growth rate in export quantity, value and unit value declined in post-NHM. Among vegetables, growth in the export quantity of onions, potatoes and peas was high in the pre-NHM period. Markov chain analysis revealed that UAE was a stable market for the export of mango, oranges, papaya and peas; and Nepal was a stable export market for oranges, apple, onion and potato. India is losing its markets in some of its fruit and vegetable exports to other Asian competitors. Yield improvements would increase exports. Institutional initiatives like contract farming would help to improve the production and quality of potatoes and peas. Strategies for export promotion may be oriented towards stable markets. New markets may be explored to reduce trade risks in the long run.