India’s Agri-Exports Boom Under Modi Government: First-Ever Shipments That Made History

Under the leadership of PM Modi, India’s agricultural exports have seen unprecedented expansion, with many products making their way to international markets for the first time. This historic expansion isn’t just about trade—it’s about empowering farmers, boosting rural incomes, and putting India’s rich agricultural heritage on the global map. From exotic fruits to traditional staples, these first-ever shipments highlight how the Modi government’s vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat is creating new opportunities for Indian farmers.

Here are some of the remarkable first-time agricultural exports under the Modi government:            

First-Ever Sea Shipments of Indian Pomegranates to Australia

In a significant milestone for India's agricultural exports, India successfully sent first-ever shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates respectively to Australia via sea. This breakthrough enhances India’s fresh fruit market access in Australia, paving the way for more Indian produce to enter global supply chains.[1]

Figs Juice Exported First Time to Poland

India’s unique GI-tagged Purandar figs are now making waves in Europe. In 2024, Modi government facilitated the export of India's first ready-to-drink fig juice, made from Purandar figs, to Poland. Earlier in 2022, the export was made to Germany, too. Purandar figs are known for their unique tastes and textures. This event marks a significant achievement in promoting India's unique agro-products on the global stage.[2]

Dragon Fruit Exported First Time To London, Bahrain

As part of India’s push to diversify its fruit exports, the fiber and mineral-rich dragon fruit, locally known as ‘Kamalam’, was exported to London and Bahrain in 2021. The consignment exported to London was sourced from farmers of the Kutch region of Gujarat, while the consignment to Bahrain was sourced from the farmers of West Midnapore (West Bengal).[3]

First Trial Shipment of Fresh Pomegranate to US

In 2023, India took a big step toward expanding its presence in the American market by exporting its first-ever trial shipment of fresh pomegranates via air to the USA. Bhagwa' pomegranate from Maharashtra has substantial export potential and almost 50 per cent of the fruit's export from the country is from the state's Solapur district.

Assam’s ‘Leteku’ Fruit Exported To Dubai

In a major boost for the Northeast, in 2021, the first-ever shipment of Burmese grapes, known as ‘leteku’ in Assamese, was sent from Guwahati to Dubai through Delhi.[4] This export put Assam’s exotic produce on the global map, proving the potential of India's northeastern states in international trade.

Jackfruit from Tripura to Germany

Germany got a taste of India’s fresh jackfruit from Tripura in 2021. In a first, a shipment of fresh jackfruit was exported from Tripura to Germany by air route. The first consignment of one metric tonne of fresh jackfruits was flagged off from Agartala.[5] This reflects the efforts Modi government carrying out to bring the northeastern states on the agricultural and processed food products export map of India.

King Chilli ‘Raja Mircha’ from Nagaland to London for the first time

In 2021, in a major boost to exports of GI products from the north-eastern region, a consignment of ‘Raja Mircha’ also referred as king chilli from Nagaland was exported to London via Guwahati by air for the first time. Given its perishable nature, exporting this product was a challenge, but India successfully facilitated its air shipment, highlighting India’s capabilities in handling specialized agro-exports.

First Export of ‘Red Rice’ from Assam to the USA

In 2021, in a major boost to India’s rice exports potential, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the USA. Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilizer. The rice variety is referred as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an integral part of the Assamese food.[6]

First Consignment of Vazhakulam Pineapple from Kerala to Dubai& Sharjah

In 2022, India flagged off of the first consignment of GI Tagged “Vazhakulam Pineapple” from Vazhakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala to Dubai & Sharjah, UAE. With this the pineapple farmers will get better income and more promotion of their product in global market.[7]