India is focusing on enhancing its banana exports to Russia, following successful trial shipments to countries like the Netherlands via sea route, as stated by an official. The nation aims to achieve a $1 billion target in banana exports in the foreseeable future. Currently, the export of fruits including bananas predominantly occurs through air due to lower volumes and varied ripening periods. To boost volumes, India is formulating sea protocols for fresh produce such as bananas, mangoes, pomegranates, and jackfruit, aiming to facilitate their exportation through maritime channels.

The Export Inspection Council of India (EIC), which came into being on 1st January, 1964, is a statutory body tasked with advising the government on quality control, pre-shipment inspection standards, and other related matters. Since its inception, the EIC has evolved to a key facilitator of India's export trade apart from the regulatory responsibility, enabling exporters to meet the stringent quality demands of international markets.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said that the country's agriculture and allied sector is expected to grow at 3.5-4 per cent in 2024-25 marking a significant improvement from the 1.4 per cent rise recorded in FY24.

India aims to cross $1 billion of organic product exports next year and the country is exploring Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in sensitive exports like fisheries which face higher rejections, an official said Wednesday.