Yojana Summary: June 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Operation SINDOOR

• In May 2025, India launched Operation SINDOOR in response to a terrorist attack that occurred on April 22, 2025 in Pahalgam. 
• During this attack, 26 Indian tourists were brutally killed, with the attackers allegedly separating victims based on their religion. 
• The attack was claimed by a group called The Resistance Front, which is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. 
• As a form of retaliation, India carried out Operation SINDOOR, which was a quick and precise military action. 
• The goal of this operation was to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the border while avoiding a larger conventional war. 
• The operation was designed to be non-escalatory, meaning it aimed to reduce the risk of further conflict. 

Key Achievements and Strategic Outcomes

Neutralisation of Terror Infrastructure:

• Nine major terrorist camps belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) were eliminated. 
• More than 100 terrorists were neutralized, which included several high-profile operatives associated with notable incidents like the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack. 

Deep Cross-Border Precision Strikes:

• Airstrikes reached deep into Pakistan, affecting areas like Bahawalpur and the Punjab province, which were previously thought to be safe zones. 
• This action shows India's willingness to conduct military operations beyond the Line of Control (LoC) if it believes that terrorism is supported by the state. 

Technological Superiority Demonstrated:

•  The Indian Air Force effectively utilized Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs with great accuracy. 
•  The air defense systems of Pakistan, which included equipment from China, were either avoided or disrupted, revealing their weaknesses. 

Air Defence Success and Indigenisation Push:

• India's Akashteer system has been crucial in stopping hostile drones and missiles.
• This operation showed the strength of local defense capabilities and their potential for exporting to other countries.

Targeting Sponsors Alongside Terrorists:

• India deliberately eliminated support infrastructure and backers, breaking the long-standing distinction between terrorists and their enablers.

Limited Escalation, Maximum Precision:

• Civilian casualties and collateral damage were prevented, demonstrating India’s careful and ethical approach in using force. 
• The situation was managed to avoid escalation into a larger conflict, which helped maintain regional stability. 

Airstrikes on Military Installations:

• On May 9–10, India focused on 11 military airbases in Pakistan. 
• This operation led to the destruction of nearly 20% of Pakistan's air force assets. 
• Among the destroyed resources were strategic fighter jets, particularly at Bholari Air Base. 
• The military actions were part of a larger initiative known as Operation Sindoor. 

Tri-Service Coordination:

• The operation saw seamless coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting enhanced joint operational readiness and synergy.

Strategic Messaging and Global Support:

• Operation SINDOOR conveyed a clear diplomatic message: India is prepared to take strong action without waiting for international consent.
• India received unmatched global support, with several countries backing India's right to defend itself.

Narrative Shift on Kashmir:

• India has redefined the conflict as a response to terrorism, separating it from the political situation in Kashmir. 
• This shift has helped change how the world views the region, moving towards a focus on security issues. 

Strategic Significance

• Deterrence Reinforced: The operation showed India’s strict approach to cross-border terrorism, demonstrating its willingness to strike back with force without worrying about nuclear conflict.
• Escalation Management: India focused on avoiding harm to civilians and its military resources, helping to maintain stability in the region while still protecting its own security.
• Technological Independence: The use of homegrown systems like Akash, IACCS, and locally developed ISR networks highlights India’s increasing self-sufficiency in defense.
• Integrated Warfare Capability: The operation displayed excellent coordination among different military services, sharing intelligence in real-time, and integrating command, which reflects a move towards network-centric warfare.
• Regional Security Messaging: Operation SINDOOR sent a clear message to both state and non-state actors that India will take strong action against threats from cross-border terror.
• Diplomatic Leverage: India’s rising global influence enabled it to handle international responses effectively, allowing it to shape the discussion in its favor.

Conclusion

Operation SINDOOR was not merely a military strike — it was a comprehensive assertion of India’s strategic autonomy, moral clarity, and operational capability. It represents a new doctrine in India’s national security playbook, where state-sponsored terrorism is countered with calibrated force and diplomatic finesse. The operation will likely serve as a benchmark for future counter-terror policies and reinforce India’s position as a responsible yet resolute regional power.

Synergy of India’s Armed Forces

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025), which killed 26 civilians, India launched Operation SINDOOR on May 7, 2025. It marked a major tri-services military campaign aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the LoC and deep inside Pakistan.

Key Highlights

• Coordination Among Forces: The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy worked together effectively, demonstrating India's ability for warfare across multiple domains.
• Intelligence-led Approach: Information from various agencies confirmed and supported targeted actions on nine terrorist camps, which helped reduce unintended damage.
• Air Operations: The Indian Air Force carried out accurate strikes on important air bases, such as Nur Khan and Rahim Yar Khan, while ensuring airspace safety through a layered defense system that includes systems like Akash, Pechora, and OSAAK.
• Army's Involvement: The Army was effective in both defense and offense, successfully countering drone threats with Low-Level Air Defense Systems (LLADs), Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs).
• Navy's Role: The Navy demonstrated its strength at sea by using a Carrier Battle Group and established a no-fly zone near Pakistan's Makran coast to prevent aircraft from entering.
• BSF Actions: The Border Security Force stopped an infiltration attempt in the Samba sector of Jammu & Kashmir, eliminating terrorists and capturing weapons.
• Use of Technology: The implementation of an Integrated Command and Control Strategy (ICCS) and net-centric operations allowed for real-time coordination and interception of threats.

Major Government-Led Coordination Efforts among the Armed Forces

Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) & Department of Military Affairs (DMA): Created on 24 Dec 2019, the CDS is a 4-star General and principal military adviser to the defense minister.

Key Roles of the CDS:

• Leadership & Oversight: Leads the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Territorial Army; manages joint service organizations such as cyber and space commands.
• Jointness & Integration: Encourages cooperation in buying equipment, training personnel, and restructuring commands; promotes a unified and modern military force.
• Strategic Planning & Advisory: Provides advice to the Nuclear Command Authority; takes part in defense planning; pushes for changes to use resources better and improve combat effectiveness.
• Acquisition & Resource Optimization: Carries out multi-year defense purchasing plans, aligns the priorities of different services, and works to eliminate waste and duplication.
• Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): ITCs and Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) are designed to bring together military capabilities by location and function, improve collaboration, and distinguish operational roles from Raise-Train-Sustain (RTS) responsibilities.
• Proposed Commands: Suggestions include commands for Land, Maritime, and Air Defense areas. CDS Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted the importance of collaboration for multi-domain, data-focused warfare.
• Inter-Services Organizations Act, 2023: Gives commanders of joint service units the authority to enforce discipline across services, allowing for unified command, quicker decision-making, a joint culture, and legal support for ITCs, while still maintaining the unique identity of each service.
• Joint Logistics Nodes (JLNs): Operating since 2021 in Mumbai, Guwahati, and Port Blair. These nodes provide combined logistics support (such as ammunition, food, fuel, engineering, etc.), which helps save manpower, resources, and costs.

Joint Training, Seminars & Exercises

• Tri-Services Future Warfare Course: Started by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for officers from the rank of Major to Major General. The first course took place in September 2024, and the second is scheduled for April to May 2025, focusing on warfare that uses modern technology. 
• DSTSC (10 June 2024, MILIT Pune): A training event attended by 166 officers from the Army, Navy, Indian Air Force (IAF), Coast Guard, and other countries. This was the first joint training for the three services. 
• Parivartan Chintan (8 April 2024): A meeting to discuss ideas for creating joint structures among the armed forces. 
• Seminar (25 February 2025): A discussion about cooperation between air and naval forces in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), organized by HQ Southern Air Command and CAPS. 
• Exercise Prachanda Prahar (25–27 March 2025): A tri-service operation conducted in high-altitude areas of Arunachal Pradesh. 
• Exercise Desert Hunt (24–28 February 2025): A joint special forces drill involving Para SF, MARCOS, and Garud at Jodhpur. 

Technology & Network-Centric Warfare

• Defense Communication Network (DCN): A secure network developed in India that connects the Army, Navy, and Air Force, allowing them to communicate through voice, data, and video. It is considered a success of the Make in India initiative. 
• Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): This system allows different military branches to work together in real-time. It was shown to be effective after the military operation called Operation SINDOOR. 
• ‘Year of Defense Reforms’ – 2025: Announced by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to enhance cooperation between military services, set up Integrated Training Centers (ITCs), and support operations across multiple areas. 

Rural Prosperity Through Warehousing

• Despite the fast growth of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) in India, the area of post-harvest credit is still very much underused. 
•  In the financial year 2023-24, India's total agricultural credit was about ₹25 lakh crore, with short-term credit (primarily for growing crops) making up ₹14.8 lakh crore. 
•  However, loans for post-harvest purposes were only ₹0.35 lakh crore, which is just 1.4%of the total agricultural credit. This low usage can be attributed to: 
  • Banks being hesitant to finance loans based on stored products (known as pledged loans).
  • The risk of theft or fraud in warehouses that lack regulation.
  • A shortage of proper legal measures and ways to enforce them.
•  There is a mismatch between what is produced and what can be stored. 
•  According to NABARD (2024), India's agricultural storage capacity is 239.70 MMT, while the production of food grains reached 328.85 MMT, leaving a gap of nearly 90 MMT. 
•  This gap restricts farmers from storing their produce and waiting for better prices, leading them to sell their crops at low prices right after harvest. 

Economic Benefits of Warehousing

• Warehousing provides more than just a place to keep goods: 
• Scientific storage helps avoid losses after harvest due to pests, moisture, and mishandling. 
• Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWRs) from warehouses registered with WDRA can be traded or used to get bank loans. 
•  Warehousing aids in getting better prices. Data from Agmarknet shows that waiting a few months after harvest to sell crops like paddy (basmati), turmeric, chilli, and jeera can lead to much higher prices. 
•  A study by IIM Bangalore found that when warehouse capacity increases by 1%, it can lower price fluctuations by 2.0% for wheat and 2.7% for masur, which helps stabilize farmers' incomes. 
•  Warehouses also help narrow the price gap between wholesale and retail, which is good for both producers and consumers. Since food and drinks make up 54.18% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), keeping food prices stable is very important for controlling inflation. 

India's Agricultural and Rural Profile

• 68.85% of India's population lives in rural areas according to the 2011 Census.
• 58.4% of people working in rural areas are still involved in agriculture.
• The NITI Aayog predicts that the rural population will stay above 50% until 2045.
• India aims to produce 354.64 million metric tons (MMT) of food grains by the year 2025-2026.
• Final estimates for the agricultural year 2023-2024 from the Ministry of Agricultureinclude:
  • Foodgrains: 3322.98 lakh metric tons (LMT)
  • Oilseeds: 396.69 LMT
  • Sugarcane: 4531.58 LMT
  • Cotton: 325.22 lakh bales
  • Jute & Mesta: 96.92 lakh bales
• Even with high productivity in agriculture, challenges such as marketing, storage, and price realization remain significant issues in the agricultural value chain.

Key Challenges in Agricultural Warehousing

• Storage Shortage: There is a large gap of about 90 million metric tonnes between agricultural production and the available storage space.
• Small Warehouse Sizes: More than 68% of India's 51,307 warehouses can hold less than 500 tonnes, making them inadequate for proper management and scientific storage practices.
• Skewed Distribution: Most warehouses are located in a limited number of states. The Gangetic belt, which is an important production area, lacks enough warehouses, impacting the storage of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds.
• Low Farmer Awareness: A study by MANAGEfound that farmers have a low level of understanding regarding: 
  • Post-harvest pricing trends
  • Pledge financing
  • e-NWR benefits
  • Government schemes
• Regulatory Gaps: According to the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act of 2007, only warehouses that issue e-NWRs need to register with WDRA. This means others can operate without regulation, which decreases trust between farmers and banks.
• Banking Hesitation: Many public sector banks are cautious about financing produce stored in warehouses because of previous incidents of fraud and poor recovery rates.

Government Initiatives to Bridge the Gap

• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
  • Budget: ₹1 lakh crore
  • Goal: To develop post-harvest facilities like cold storage, silos, and warehouses
  • Special Emphasis: On infrastructure at the farm gate
  • World's Largest Grain Storage Initiative
  • Implementation: Through PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies)
  • Additional Funding: ₹1 lakh crore to enhance storage at the local level
• Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Pledge Finance (CGS-NPF)
  • Budget: ₹1000 crore
  • Purpose: Provides a guarantee for banks that lend against electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWRs)
  • Target Group: Small and marginal farmers, offering greater coverage and lower fees
• Interest Subvention Scheme
  • Benefit: Offers 1.5% interest reduction on loans against e-NWRs for small and marginal farmers with Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs)
  • Aim: To lower borrowing costs for farmers
• e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi Portal
  • Type: Digital platform for fast loan approvals
  • Integration: Works with banks, credit bureaus, WDRA, and e-NAM
  • Functionality: Allows farmers to choose their banks and quickly get in-principle loan approval
• Infrastructure Development Programs
  • Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee Scheme (PEG)
  • Construction of Silos: In partnership with private sectors (PPP)
  • Warehousing Infrastructure Fund

Conclusion and Way Forward

• A strong and well-organized warehousing system can change the agricultural economy of India.
• It can help farmers avoid selling their crops in a hurry due to financial stress.
• This system provides money to farmers after harvest, helping them manage their finances better.
• It helps keep prices stable and can lower inflation.
• Such a system supports growth in rural income and enhances food security.

Key priorities moving forward

•  Expand the scientific and scalable storage infrastructure in areas with excess resources. 
•  Require WDRA registration for all warehouses to ensure consistent regulations. 
•  Increase farmers' knowledge about the advantages of warehousing, price trends, and credit options. 
•  Promote greater involvement of banks in post-harvest financing by improving risk management strategies. 
•  A well-rounded policy approach can unlock the complete potential of agri-warehousing and promote inclusive rural growth. 

Safe Food for a Healthy India

• Food safety is very important for public health, economic growth, and national food security.
• In India, where nearly half of the people work in agriculture, ensuring that food is safe is crucial.
• With a population of around 1.4 billion, food safety affects everyone on a daily basis.
• It is necessary to make sure that food is safe from the time it is grown to when it is eaten, which presents a significant challenge.
• Addressing food safety is not just a necessity but also an important part of daily life for many people.

The Scope and Importance of Food Safety

Understanding Food Safety

Food safety refers to the correct methods of handling, preparing, storing, and distributing food to avoid contamination and illnesses caused by food.

Types of Hazards

• Biological: Includes harmful organisms like bacteria (such as E. coli and Salmonella), viruses (like Hepatitis A), fungi (such as aflatoxins), and parasites.
• Chemical: Involves harmful substances like pesticide residues, heavy metals (for example, lead and arsenic), additives, and toxins that can develop from improper storage.
• Physical: Refers to foreign objects like glass, plastic, or metal pieces that may accidentally get into food during processing.

Importance of Food Safety

Food safety is crucial because:

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe food leads to 600 million illnesses and causes 420,000 deaths worldwide each year.
• In India, foodborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and pesticide poisoning are very common, particularly harming children.

Effects of Food Safety

• Public health: Ensures the well-being of the population.
• Farmer livelihoods: Supports the income and stability of those who grow food.
• Trade competitiveness: Helps in maintaining a strong position in global markets.
• Consumer trust: Builds confidence among buyers regarding food quality.
• Environmental sustainability: Promotes practices that protect the environment.

Key Challenges in India’s Food Safety Ecosystem

• Excessive Pesticide Use
  • India is the 4th highest country in the world for pesticide use.
  • Fruits, vegetables, and grains often have pesticide residues that exceed safe limits.
  • Some areas still use banned pesticides like monocrotophos.
  • Consequences:
  • Long-term health problems, including cancer and neurological disorders.
  • Contamination of soil and water.
  • Export rejections due to pesticide levels being too high for Codex and EU standards.
  • Solution:
  • Encourage Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
  • Support organic farming.
  • Enforce stricter regulations.
  • Provide training for farmers.
• Post-Harvest Handling and Infrastructure Deficit
  • India loses almost 30% of its food each year due to inadequate storage and transport.
  • Grains stored outdoors can develop aflatoxins, which are harmful fungi.
  • Insufficient cold storage, clean processing, and scientific storage harm food quality and safety.
  • Small farmers often lack access to post-harvest technologies.
  • Solution:
  • Invest in modern warehouses and cold storage systems (like those under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund).
  • Train farmers on safe storage and handling practices.
  • Implement digital tools for traceability (such as blockchain).
• Widespread Food Adulteration
  • A report from FSSAI in 2018 found that 68% of milk samples in India were adulterated.
  • Common adulterants include:
    • Urea, starch, and detergents in milk.
    • Metanil yellow in turmeric.
    • Argemone oil in mustard oil.
    • Artificial colors and poor-quality oils in spices and sweets.
  • Such adulteration can lead to organ damage, cancer, and food poisoning.
  • Solution:
  • Enhance food testing laboratories, especially at the district level.
  • Apply stricter penalties under the FSS Act, 2006.
  • Encourage citizen reporting and use of QR codes and mobile testing tools.
• Weak Implementation of Food Safety Laws
  • The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, is not effectively enforced in rural and informal markets.
  • The FSSAI lacks the necessary staff and infrastructure to oversee millions of food vendors, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
  • Solution:
  • Decentralize food safety enforcement to local bodies like panchayats and municipalities.
  • Increase the recruitment and training of food safety officers.
  • Ensure that all food business operators (FBOs) are registered and licensed.
• Lack of Awareness and Hygiene Practices
  • Many small farmers and street food vendors do not know about hygiene practices, such as washing produce, sanitizing tools, or wearing gloves.
  • Street food is often made in unsanitary conditions, raising the risk of disease.
  • Consumers also lack education on how to identify safe food.
  • Solution:
  • Launch awareness campaigns such as Eat Right India.
  • Introduce food safety education in schools and agricultural training programs.
  • Promote self-regulation, hygiene ratings, and systems for consumer feedback.

Economic and Global Trade Impacts

Importance of Food Safety for India's Agro-Exports

• Food safety is essential for enhancing India's potential in agro-exports.
• High-value products such as spices, seafood, and basmati rice often face rejections due to contamination.
• These rejections lead to billions in losses and hurt India's global brand reputation.
• Ensuring safe food allows access to high-end international markets, enabling farmers to receive better prices and improve their incomes.

Government Initiatives

• FSSAI Initiatives:
  • Eat Right India campaign
  • Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) awareness programs
  • Clean Street Food Hubs
• Policy Reforms:
  • Improving Food Recall Mechanisms
  • Introduction of the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal
• Programs Promoting Safety & Hygiene:
  • PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME)
  • Agri-Infra Fund to enhance storage facilities
  • Kisan Rail and Kisan Udan to improve farm-to-market transport

Key Challenges in Ensuring Food Safety

• Fragmented Supply Chains: The agricultural supply chain in India has many middlemen, which increases the chances of contamination and makes it hard to trace the source of problems. Traditional markets, or mandis, are not equipped well to identify where spoilage or mixing with other substances starts.
• Economic Constraints of Farmers: Small and marginal farmers often do not have access to safe storage, quality materials, or affordable technology. Their financial struggles and reliance on middlemen make it difficult for them to adopt food safety practices.
• Infrastructure Gaps: India has fewer than 200 approved food testing laboratories, while over 500 are needed. Less than 10% of perishable goods can be stored in cold conditions, leading to significant post-harvest losses and food contamination.
• Adulteration and Pesticide Residues: The widespread use of chemical pesticides and banned substances like monocrotophos has resulted in harmful residues on fruits and vegetables. Food adulteration, especially in items like milk, oils, and spices, poses a serious threat to public health.
• Export Rejections: Indian agricultural exports, particularly basmati rice and spices, frequently face rejections in international markets due to pesticide residues. This leads to estimated losses of $15–20 billion each year.

Way Forward

• Farmer Education and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): Training programs organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and NGOs can help farmers learn about using pesticides safely, harvesting cleanly, and understanding limits on pesticide residues.
• Promotion of Organic and Natural Farming: Expanding initiatives like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP), along with offering financial support for organic materials and certification, can motivate farmers to adopt sustainable farming methods.
• Strengthening Infrastructure: There is a need for investments in cold chain logistics, food testing laboratories, and improved storage and processing facilities. It is also essential to upgrade Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) with integrated food safety checks.
• Technology for Transparency: Utilizing blockchain for tracking food from farms to consumers and implementing AI-based advisory tools can help reduce risks and enhance decision-making for farmers.
• Policy Reform and Regulatory Enforcement: Increasing the reach of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in rural areas, enforcing strict penalties for violations, and carrying out regular inspections can ensure that food safety standards are met.
• Consumer Awareness: Campaigns like 'Eat Right India' should be expanded, along with mandatory food safety labeling, to encourage informed choices among consumers and boost the demand for safer food options.

Conclusion

• Food safety is a key part of India's goals for sustainable development.
• A complete plan is needed that includes:
  • Policy changes to improve food safety regulations.
  • Technological advancements to enhance food production and safety.
  • Empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge they need.
  • Encouraging consumer involvement in food safety practices.
•  By focusing on safety from farm to fork, India can: 
  •  Protect public health. 
  •  Improve farmer incomes. 
  •  Strengthen its role in global agricultural trade. 
•  This approach will lead to a healthier and more prosperous future for the country. 

Opportunities and Challenges in India’s Food Export Sector

• India’s food export sector is very important for earning foreign money and helping rural areas grow.
• India is one of the biggest producers of agricultural products in the world, which means it has a lot of untapped potential to increase its share in the global market.
• Recently, there has been a rise in exports of processed foods and a move towards more high-value products.
• However, there are still many structural and policy-related challenges that prevent the food export sector from reaching its full potential.

Significance of the Food Export Sector

• Agriculture is the main way of earning a living for many people in India.
• India ranks among the top countries in producing rice, wheat, pulses, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
• Food exportsare important for several reasons:
  • Foreign Exchange Earnings: They are a major source of income from exports, helping to lower the trade deficit.
  • Employment Generation: They create jobs, especially in rural areas, through farming, food processing, and related industries.
  • Rural Development: They improve incomes, build infrastructure, and provide better access to education and healthcare.
  • Poverty Alleviation: They have a direct positive effect on farmers' earnings and local economies.
• Even with these benefits, India's share in global agricultural exports is only about 2.4%, showing there is a lot of potential that is not being used.

Current Export Scenario and Decline

• India set a target of $60 billion for agricultural exports by 2022 through the Agriculture Export Policy (AEP) of 2018.
• However, the actual agricultural exports for the year 2023-24 reached only $48.8 billion.
• This figure is a decrease from $53.2 billion in the previous fiscal year.
• The 8% drop in exports highlights the importance of adjusting policies and improving infrastructure.

Government Initiatives and Institutional Framework

• Agriculture Export Policy (AEP) 2018: This policy focuses on broadening the types of products exported, encouraging the export of high-quality and organic goods, and helping Indian farmers connect with global markets.
• APEDA: This organization assists with agricultural exports by providing quality certifications, support for infrastructure, and information about market trends.
• Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) and Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES): These schemes are designed to encourage investments in facilities and resources that help with exporting and developing new market opportunities.
• Market Access Initiative (MAI): This initiative helps exporters find and enter new markets, making it easier for them to reach customers beyond their current locations.

Key Challenges Hindering Growth

• Export Uncertainty: Frequent restrictions, like those on rice and sugar, lead to global unreliability in exports.
• Concentration on Few Commodities: Relying heavily on rice and sugar makes exports sensitive to changes in prices and demand.
• Infrastructure Deficit: The absence of cold storage, proper storage facilities, and efficient transportation reduces overall effectiveness.
• Quality Standards: Many exported goods do not meet international hygiene and phytosanitary requirements.
• Global Competition: Countries like Vietnam for rice, Brazil for sugar, and Thailand for processed foods pose significant competition.

Opportunities and Strategic Directions

• Diversification: Focus on valuable products such as spices, ready-to-eat meals, millets, organic foods, and fruit concentrates.
• Sustainability: Crops like pulses and oilseeds use less water and support global environmental trends.
• New Markets: Increasing interest in Indian staple foods and specialty products from regions like the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, and the European Union.
• Technological Integration:
  • Blockchain: Utilized for tracking products and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Precision Farming: Techniques that improve crop yields and efficiency.
  • Digital Platforms: Tools to simplify logistics and manage documents efficiently.
• Brand Building: Establishing Indian products such as Basmati rice, spices, and organic goods as high-quality global brands.

Advantages of Processed Food Exports

• Longer Shelf Life: Helps in reducing waste after harvest and makes it easier to export products.
• Value Addition: Increases profits and improves the attractiveness of products in the market.
• Sustainable Food Cycle: Promotes a cycle of producing and consuming food that is environmentally friendly.
• Branding and Market Expansion: Enables customization of products to suit various regions and local tastes.
• MSME Participation: Encourages job creation and supports small businesses in rural areas.
• In the year 2023-24, exports of processed food hit USD 7.7 billion, showing strong growth in areas such as mango pulp, cereal preparations, and processed vegetables.

The Circular Economy: A Sustainable Approach to Food Exports

• India needs to align its food processing and export sectors with Circular Economy (CE) principles to ensure they are sustainable in the long run and can compete globally.
• Reduce Wastage: This can be achieved by adopting sustainable farming methods and improving logistics.
• Utilize By-products: There is potential to generate new sources of income by using agricultural waste effectively.
• Enhance Packaging: It is important to use biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials for packaging.
• Optimize Supply Chains: Efforts should be made to lower energy consumption and improve the efficiency of transportation.
• Meet Global Norms: India can access markets with strict environmental rules by adhering to these standards.
• Government support will be crucial for integrating CE practices through incentives, building capacity, and creating regulatory frameworks.

Way Forward and Conclusion

• India's food export sector, if supported with smart changes, better infrastructure, and sustainable methods, can become a leader in the global market.
• The government should concentrate on:
  • Stable Export Policies
  • Investment in Research and Development (R&D) and Infrastructure
  • Skill and Quality Development
  • Encouragement for Food Processing and Innovation
• Using Circular Economy principles will not only enhance the sustainability of Indian products but also make them appealing to global consumers who care about the environment.
• With the right actions, India’s food exports can play a significant role in:
  • Inclusive Economic Growth
  • Rural Development
  • Global Food Security