📄 Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive commodity-wise analysis of Indias agricultural trade during 20102024, focusing on revealed comparative advantage (RCA) and revealed import dependence (RID). Using secondary data from the UN Comtrade Database at the 4-digit Harmonized System (HS) level, the analysis identifies Indias strengths in exports and vulnerabilities in import dependence across major agricultural commodities. Results indicate that India exhibits a strong comparative advantage in spices, fibres, plantation crops, and agro-based products, with nutmeg, mace and cardamoms (HS 0908) recording the highest RCA of 16.7, followed by cotton (HS 5201) at 8.7 and wheat and meslin (HS 1001) at 5.8. Cumulative exports of key commodities such as rice (HS 1006) reached US$ 112,138.5 million (mn), while cotton exports totalled US$ 32,511.0 mn over the study period, reflecting Indias sustained global competitiveness. In terms of import dependence, India relies heavily on selected commodities, with raw silk (non-thrown) (HS 5002) exhibiting an RID of 26.4, cloves (HS 0907) at 19.3, and jute and other textile bast fibres (HS 5303) at 13.9, indicating substantial reliance on imports to meet domestic demand. Other notable imports include sunflower and safflower seeds (HS 1512) with an RID of 8.6 and coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashew nuts (HS 0801) with an RID of 10.2. The analysis underscores the dual nature of Indias agricultural trade, with strong export competitiveness coexisting with high import dependence in specific commodities. The findings highlight the need for policy interventions aimed at enhancing domestic production capacity, improving post-harvest infrastructure, and promoting value-added agricultural exports.
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📚 How to Cite:
Amandeep Singh , REVEALED COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE AND IMPORT DEPENDENCE IN INDIA'S AGRICULTURAL TRADE: A COMMODITY-WISE ANALYSIS (2010-2024) , Volume 12 , Issue 1, January 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) ,