2 weeks ago
FTAs can give Indian agriculture a bigger global footprint
India celebrated its 80th Independence Day.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gave a big speech from the Red Fort.
He said farming and food are very important for India's future.
He wants Indian farmers to sell more food to other countries.
A farmer from Vadodara named Hrithik Purohit agreed with him.
He said free trade agreements are like keys that open big market doors in other countries.
India already sells lots of millet to countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Farmers also want to sell more fruits, flowers and spices abroad.
Technology like drones can also help farmers and women earn money.
This could help India become a big name in agriculture in Asia.
PM Narendra Modi named agriculture and food processing among the seven streams of strength in his 'Sapta Dhara' framework during the 80th Independence Day address.
Vadodara-based farmer Hrithik Purohit said FTAs have opened large global markets, creating export opportunities for Indian fruits, flowers and processed food products.
APEDA data shows India exported 138.69 thousand tonnes of millets worth Rs 543.40 crore in 2025-26.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, the United States and Morocco were among the major destinations for Indian millet exports.
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement will provide zero-duty market access for Indian exports from January 1, 2026.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vadodara-based farmer Hrithik Purohit
- What
- A push to expand Indian agricultural and processed food exports globally through free trade agreements
- Where
- Red Fort in New Delhi, with the farmer responding from Vadodara, Gujarat, India
- When
- Saturday, following the 80th Independence Day address
- Why
- To increase farmer incomes and help India progress significantly in agriculture and food processing
Key facts
- Event
- 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort
- Framework
- 'Sapta Dhara' - seven streams of strength, including agriculture and food processing
- Millet exports (2025-26)
- 138.69 thousand tonnes worth Rs 543.40 crore
- Major millet destinations
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, United States, Morocco
- Gujarat millet production share (2024-25)
- Estimated 7.25 per cent of India's total
- India-Australia ECTA
- Zero-duty market access for Indian exports from January 1, 2026
- India-UAE CEPA
- Duty-free or preferential access across a large share of UAE tariff lines
- Related initiative
- 'Drone Didi' - women using drones to generate agricultural income
Quotes
Hrithik Purohit
Vadodara-based farmer speaking at an Independence Day event
“"Through FTAs (Free Trade Agreements), India's large markets have opened up at the global level."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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