Export Promotion Policies and Non-Traditional Agricultural Exports

Abstract

India's exports of processed agricultural foods and other non-traditional agricultural products have been increasing over the years. One such non-traditional, export-oriented product being exported from India is Gherkins (Cucumis sativus). Gherkin exports from India commenced during the late 1980s and continued with minimal governmental support upto 2001. The Government of India in 2001 launched a programme to establish agricultural export zones (AEZs) in the country with a view to promoting the exports of agricultural products that possessed export potential. This paper analyzes the relevance of non-traditional exports in Indian agricultural exports and describes the evolution of the Gherkin sector in India. The policy environment for non-traditional agricultural exports is assessed and specific policy interventions that could enhance the performance of the Gherkin sector are also identified.