How to Start Agri Export Business in India
India exported over $53 billion worth of agricultural products in 2023–24. Here's the complete process to set up your agri export business — from company registration to your first shipment.
Register Your Business Entity
Register as a Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited Company. A Pvt Ltd structure is recommended for scaling exports. Complete GST registration immediately after.
Obtain IEC Code (Import Export Code)
IEC is mandatory for all Indian exporters. Apply online at DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) with your PAN, bank details, and address. Fee is ₹500 and it's issued within 2–3 working days. IEC is a 10-digit code linked to your PAN — it's permanent and requires no renewal.
APEDA Registration (for Scheduled Products)
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) registration is mandatory for exporting scheduled products including basmati rice, wheat, fresh fruits, vegetables, processed foods, dairy, and meat. Apply at apeda.gov.in. Fee: ₹5,000 + GST. Valid for 5 years.
FSSAI License & Quality Certifications
FSSAI Central License is required for food product exports. For organic products, get NPOP certification from accredited certifying agencies. For EU markets, obtain EC Regulation 834/2007 equivalent organic certification. GlobalG.A.P., ISO 22000, and HACCP certifications build buyer trust internationally.
Find International Buyers
Use APEDA's Buyer-Seller Meet, participate in international food trade fairs (Anuga, SIAL, Gulfood), register on Alibaba and IndiaMART, approach Indian embassies abroad, and connect with the Indian Chamber of Commerce. APEDA organizes buyer-seller meets across 50+ countries annually.
Documentation & Customs Clearance
Prepare: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate (from NPPO), Health Certificate, and product-specific certificates. File Shipping Bill on ICEGATE portal. Use an experienced CHA (Customs House Agent) for your first few shipments.
Receive Payment & Claim Incentives
Receive payment via Letter of Credit (most secure) or advance TT transfer. Convert FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) from bank. File IGST refund claim. Apply for RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) and MEIS/TIES incentives as applicable.
India's Top Agricultural Exports 2024–25
📦 Top Commodities by Export Value
| Commodity | Export Value (₹ Cr) | Key Markets | YoY Growth | Opportunity Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Products | ₹60,523 Cr | USA, China, Japan, EU | ▲ 8.2% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rice (Basmati) | ₹48,200 Cr | Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, USA | ▲ 12.1% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rice (Non-Basmati) | ₹22,800 Cr | Africa, Bangladesh, Indonesia | ▼ 4.5% (export ban) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spices | ₹35,000 Cr | USA, China, Vietnam, UAE | ▲ 15.3% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fresh Fruits & Vegetables | ₹11,200 Cr | UAE, Netherlands, UK | ▲ 6.8% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sugar | ₹10,400 Cr | Indonesia, UAE, Somalia | ▼ 18% (quota cut) | ⭐⭐ |
| Wheat | ₹1,200 Cr | Restricted (ban lifted partially) | ▼ 62% | ⭐⭐ |
| Cotton (Raw) | ₹8,700 Cr | China, Bangladesh, Vietnam | ▲ 3.1% | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Processed Food | ₹35,900 Cr | USA, UK, UAE, Germany | ▲ 10.7% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Oilcakes & Meals | ₹14,200 Cr | South Korea, Vietnam, Iran | ▲ 5.5% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Key International Markets for Indian Agri Exports
United States
Organic foods, spices, basmati rice, Alphonso mangoes, processed snacks
UAE / GCC
Basmati rice, vegetables, fruits, spices, buffalo meat
China
Cotton, castor oil, marine products, organic products
Germany / EU
Organic certified produce, spices, herbs, basmati
United Kingdom
Basmati rice, fresh vegetables, chutneys, pickles
Japan
Marine products, sesame, spices, organic food
Saudi Arabia
Basmati rice #1 market, dates, wheat flour
Africa
Non-basmati rice, pulses, sugar, dairy products
Government Benefits for Agri Exporters
RoDTEP Scheme
Remission of embedded taxes on exported products — rates range from 0.5% to 4.3% of FOB value depending on product category.
Pre/Post Shipment Credit
Export-oriented businesses get priority sector lending at subsidized rates. ECGC provides credit insurance up to ₹5 crore.
Market Development Assistance
APEDA reimburses 50% cost of participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and product promotion events.
NPOP Certification Support
Government subsidizes NPOP organic certification costs for small farmers under the National Programme for Organic Production.
ASIDE / TIES Scheme
Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) funds export-related infrastructure including pack houses, cold chains, and testing labs.
GST Refund (IGST)
Exporters get full refund of IGST paid on inputs used in export goods. Refund is now processed within 7 days through ICEGATE automation.
State Export Promotion
Most states have dedicated agri export zones, subsidized cold storage, quality testing labs, and dedicated freight corridors for exports.
Agricultural Export Policy 2018
India's first dedicated AEP targets doubling agri exports. It decentralizes power to states and incentivizes cluster-based development.
India Agri Export Outlook 2025–2030
India's agri export sector is poised for significant growth driven by rising global food demand, favorable trade agreements, government push, and improving cold chain infrastructure. Here's our 5-year forecast by key commodity:
Data sources: APEDA, DGFT, Ministry of Commerce, FICCI AgriChemicals Committee. Forecasts are indicative.