Exports diversification, both in terms of products and markets, is strongly linked to higher rate of exports growth as well as economic prosperity of a country, and it has remained a policy priority of the Indian government for quite some time now. In recent years, there have been a number of key developments in this direction, which will not only help our exporters reach new markets but also explore some existing markets deeper.

Last week, the first ever commercial trial shipment of pomegranates was flagged off to the US via sea from Navi Mumbai. While the news may sound small, a lot of effort has been made for quite some now to meet the strict global standards by enhancing the quality and shelf life of pomegranates. Last year, APEDA carried out an air shipment of pomegranates with irradiation treatment and static trial and now the shipment via sea route to the US is another step forward.

Meanwhile, according to a last week notification by the DGFT, the Centre has, as part of India's outreach to the Global South, allowed exports of 1,10,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to three African countries: 30,000 tonnes to each Tanzania and Djibouti and 50,000 tonne to Guinea Bissau. Exports of no-basmati rice have been banned since July 20, 2023, and the latest move is only to extend a helping hand to these friendly African countries.

Similarly, the Centre last week allowed exports of 64,400 tonnes of onion to the UAE and Bangladesh, although earlier it had brought onions from the 'free' to the 'prohibited' category till March 31, 2024 in the background of shooting up prices in the domestic market. This government-to-government shipment to these nations was again a friendly gesture, although the government is no less concerned about preventing domestic prices from spinning out of control.

I invite your opinions.