Kerala’s Agricultural Exports Jump ₹175 Crore; UAE Leads as Top Destination

Kochi: Kerala recorded a significant rise in agricultural exports during the financial year 2024–25, with the state earning Rs 4,699.02 crore by exporting over 6.86 lakh tonnes of agricultural products to international markets. In 2023–24, the state had exported 6.77 lakh tonnes, generating Rs 4,523.48 crore in revenue. In 2022–23, the earnings stood at Rs 3,860.30 crore. Over the past three years, the total increase in export earnings comes to Rs 838.72 crore.
According to export figures recorded at the beginning of the current financial year, April alone accounted for agricultural exports worth Rs 401.60 crore, with 1,38,913.08 tonnes shipped out of the state. This early momentum reflects a continued upward trend in export performance.
Cashew remained the leading export commodity. Kerala exported 15,578.7 tonnes of cashew, earning Rs 1,050.21 crore. The majority of this was handled through Kochi Port, which facilitated exports worth Rs 956.89 crore. The Kochi Special Economic Zone contributed Rs 92.89 crore, while exports via Kochi Airport accounted for Rs 43 lakh.
Rice, excluding basmati, ranked second among agricultural exports. A total of 88,672.70 tonnes were exported, bringing in Rs 487.49 crore—an increase from the Rs 456.49 crore earned in the previous year. Dairy products also saw significant growth, with 2,679.57 tonnes exported through the airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, along with Kochi Port. These exports earned Rs 164.05 crore.
In addition to these major products, processed vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, poultry products, cereal flours, and flowers also performed well in international markets, contributing to the overall growth in agricultural exports.
The United Arab Emirates was the top destination for Kerala’s agricultural produce, receiving 3,18,604.17 tonnes. Saudi Arabia followed with 28,288.54 tonnes, and the United States stood third with 18,792.42 tonnes.
Kochi Port remained the primary gateway for exports, handling 6,23,476.46 tonnes of agricultural products valued at Rs 3,738.50 crore. The Kochi SEZ facilitated exports worth Rs 373.51 crore, while various airports together managed goods worth Rs 295.52 crore.