7 major food items that India imports

The growing middle-income groups of Indian consumers and their spending patterns on

consumption-related commodities have resulted in a quicker rise in the country's import

demands. India's major imports are cereals, edible oils, and petroleum products.

That’s the reason Imported products data is highly crucial. 

The Director-General of Foreign Trade and its regional offices, which are part of the Ministry of Commerce, controls India's import and export trade. The DGFT publishes policies and procedures for imports.

Authorized dealers may sell foreign exchange or transfer rupees to non-resident accounts for the purpose of paying for products imported into India from any foreign nation, excluding Nepal and Bhutan, that are authorised under the current import trade control policy.

European brands have released a list of the top seven food imports India made in 2010.

• Sugar and sugar confectionery 

Sugar and sugar confectionery account for almost a billion dollars in imports.

Brazil, Thailand, Guatemala, and Spain are the main suppliers.

Guatemala's principal exports are coffee and sugar, and it is located south of Mexico.

• Dried fruits and vegetables

In 2010, India bought almost $800 million worth of dried veggies.

Despite being one of the world's largest producers of fruits and vegetables, India imported dried vegetables from Canada, the United States, and Australia.

• Fruits 

Fruits worth about $700 million were imported from the United States, the Ivory Coast, Benin, and Afghanistan.

Many apples are sent from the United States to India, cashew nuts are exported from the Ivory Coast and Benin, and dates are exported from Afghanistan.

• Coffee, tea, and spices

 

Coffee, tea, and spices are mostly sourced from Asian neighbors such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, and China.

• Dairy products

Dairy products worth $180 million, including eggs and honey, were imported mostly from Australia and New Zealand. Despite possessing the world's highest milk output, India remains a small player on the global stage. Until the early 1970s, India was predominantly an import-dependent country.

Importing anhydrous milk fat/butter and dry milk powders filled most of the demand-supply gaps for liquid milk requirements for urban customers. The circumstances changed radically with the start of Operation Flood Programme. Commercial dairy India imports have ceased, with the exception of a few tiny volumes imported on occasion.

• Cereals

In 2010, India imported $90 million worth of grains.

Since the beginning of neoliberal economic reforms in 1991, the country has had increasing difficulty with food production and availability for the majority of the population. Over the last decade, the situation has become even more serious due to a deep agricultural crisis and soaring unemployment rates caused by reform programs. Grain output per capita and grain consumption in the economy as a whole have both fallen sharply.

• Fruit, vegetables, and fruit liquids that have been preserved

In 2010, India imports almost $80 million worth of preserved fruits, vegetables, and fruit liquids.

India produces a vast range of fruits and vegetables, and it ranks first among other countries in terms of output. Over 90% of India's fresh produce exports are go-to destinations in West Asia and East Europe.

According to an agriculture specialist, it will need to expand its food and processing business on a massive scale.