India’s exports of Agricultural and Processed Food products rose by more than 13 per cent in the first eight months of the current fiscal (April-November, 2021-22) compared to the same period of the previous year, an official release said on Saturday (4 December).

The export of products under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) ambit increased from $11,671 million in April-November 2020-21 to $13,261 million in April-November 2021-22.

The rise in exports is significant as the growth was achieved despite the logistical challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

The target for exports under APEDA basket products has been fixed at $23,713 million in 2021-22, the Commerce Ministry said in a release.

The export of rice was the top forex earner at $5,937 million during April-November 2021-22, growing 11 per cent over the corresponding period in 2020-21 when it touched $5,341 million.

Meat, dairy and poultry products exports grew 12 per cent, standing at $2,665 million in April-November 2021-22 compared to $2,371 million in the corresponding eight-month period of 2020-21, the release said.

Fruits and vegetables exports were up by 12 per cent to touch $1,720 million during April-November 2021-22 against $1,536 million in April-November 2020-21.

According to the release, exports of cereal preparations and miscellaneous processed items grew by 26 per cent during April-November 2021-22 to touch $1,418 million against $1,127 million in April-November 2020-21.

The cashew exports also grew by 29 per cent to $302 million in the first eight months of current fiscal compared to same period previous year.

However, the exports of oil meals declined by 12 per cent to $626 million in April-November, 2021-22, compared to same period in 2020-21.