Marketing opportunities for Indian Fresh fruits and vegetables in middle east countries

Indian is one among top producers of agricultural commodities in the world. The number of commodities and varieties produced has increased during the past 25 years. The existing capacity is self reliant and capable of exporting surplus produce to South Asian and Middle East countries. Due to initiatives taken by government of India to meet the food needs of growing population, it is expected that the production will increase manifolds and consumption would be lower than the production in next two decades. India will be having advantage of excess agro-production and that is nullified by spoilage and poor harvest and processing system. Hence Indian farmers need an orientation on pesticides use, Post-harvest management, packaging systems and latest logistics technology for meeting the quality as per the standards of USDA and HACCP.

The total market potential of agriculture imports of GCC countries is USD 28,975 millions, in which India's share is about 8 percent amounting to USD 2700 million. India's exports to gulf dominated by fruits and vegetables in raw form as well as processed. European Union, USA, and Gulf China are the major sourcing countries for agricultural and non-agricultural products for countries. These 3 countries alone contribute more than 40 percent of their imports. There is an enormous opportunity to export Indian fresh produce to Middle East countries provided there is a compulsion for integration of suppliers to synchronize the logistic movement with market demand. This paper will analyze the Indian production capacity, export opportunities in gulf countries and also offer solutions to various problems in agricultural supply chain management. Tirupur,