Examining export advantages in Indian horticulture: an approach based on product mapping and seasonality

Abstract

PurposeThe present study provides evidence on export advantages of horticultural commodities based on competitiveness, trade balance and seasonality dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe study delineated horticultural commodities in terms of comparative advantage, examined temporal shifts in export advantages (mapping) and estimated seasonality. Product mapping was carried out using the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and Trade Balance Index (TBI). Seasonal advantages were examined through a graphical approach along with the objective tests, namely, modified QS-test (QS), Friedman-test (FT) and using a seasonal dummy.FindingsCucumbers/gherkins, onions, preserved vegetables, fresh grapes, shelled cashew nuts, guavas, mangoes, and spices emerged as the most favorable horticultural products. India has a strong seasonal advantage in dried onions, cucumber/gherkins, shelled cashew nut, dried capsicum, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. The untapped potential in horticulture can be addressed by handling the trade barriers effectively, particularly the sanitary and phytosanitary issues, affecting the exports. Proper policies must be enacted to facilitate the investment in advanced agricultural technologies and logistics to ensure the desired quality and cost effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsCommodity-specific studies on value chain analysis would provide valuable insights into the issues hindering exports and realizing the untapped export potential.Originality/valueThere is no holistic and recent study illustrating the horticulture export advantages covering a large number of commodities in the Indian context. The study would be helpful to the stakeholders for drawing useful policy implications.

Analyzing global competitiveness of Turkish air conditioning industry

“…Studies in the international literature on product mapping method are [33][34][35][36][37][38][39]. Ischukova and Smutka [33] investigated the structure of Russian foreign trade in agricultural products for the period of 1998-2010 in terms of specialization and competitive performance.…”

“…Tandra et al, [38] examined the international competitiveness of palm oil exporters of countries in the world for the period of 1996-2019. Saxena et al, [39] mapped comparative advantage and trade balance of India's horticultural products (HS-6 Digit 40 products). In addition, seasonality advantage and export potential were revealed.…”

“…Turkish literature using the product mapping method is extremely limited [26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Studies in the international literature on product mapping method are [33][34][35][36][37][38][39].…”

Market Diversification and Competitiveness of Fresh Grape Exports in Peru

“…The proliferation of international trade and globalization has fostered exponential growth in the interconnection of markets, promoting the diversification of products and expansion opportunities [1]. Globally, challenges associated with the production and marketing of horticultural products are influenced by multifaceted and heterogeneous factors [2], shaping the dynamics of trade and competitiveness on the international stage [3]. International trade, with its complex network of agreements, regulations, and market fluctuations, represents a significant arena for the agricultural sector, particularly for the export dynamics of fruits [4].…”

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“…India is called the fruit basket of the world (APEDA, https://apeda.gov.in/); it is the largest producer and one of the major exporters of fruits in the world [1]. Among the long list of fruits produced in India, major fruits are Mangoes, Grapes, Apple, Apricots, Orange, Fresh Banana, Avocados, Guava, Litchi, Papaya, Sapodilla and Water Melons (APEDA) [2]. In the year 2020-21, India exported approximately 0.610 million MT of fruits (excluding grapes and mango) and earned a foreign exchange of 302.00 million USD.…”