Role of farmer producer organizations in strengthening India's agri exports-A review

India's agri export account for around two per cent of global agri trade. While the government thrusts on enhancing the agri exports from India, Indian products, especially horticultural produce have faced rejection at the ports of importing nations for high Maximum Residue Limits and other related non tariff barriers, Sanitary and phytosanitary issues being the most prominent one. India is unable to export its vast horticultural produce due to lack of uniformity in quality, standardization and its inability to curtail losses across the value chain. The ignorance of Indian farmers towards adoption of Good Agricultural Practices is one of the key reasons behind deteriorating quality. Furthermore, the Indian consumers have also been unresponsive or have less awareness towards the hygienic and safe food consumption. There are challenges at every level of the supply chain. An unsettled environment has developed wherein the producers and consumers seem disconnected with each other. The objective of achieving double digit growth in economy is associated with around four per cent growth in the agricultural sector and to achieve the same, the entire supply chains need an overhaul. Given the globalization of value chains, concerted efforts are needed to boost exports of high margin, value added and branded processed products. In this regard, Farmer Producer Organizations can play a pivotal role. This paper focuses on the current status of India's agri trade, issues and challenges. The paper also explores the role of farmer producer organizations in enhancing agri exports from India.