Prospects for the nut and dried fruit sector in India

Currently, the retail market for this category in India is estimated at approximately Rs 60,000 crore. The annual consumption in the three main nut categories alone is about 8 lakh metric tonnes, with domestic production standing at around 2.1 lakh tonnes. Imports are valued at approximately Rs 30,000 crore, reflecting the country's reliance on foreign supplies and the potential for domestic development.

The consumption pattern of nuts in the country is changing: the category is moving beyond festive purchases thanks to the availability of small packaging, the growth of organized retail, e-commerce and quick commerce, as well as rising nutritional awareness. The industry is supported by government policy. In particular, the Union Budget for 2026–27 placed an increased focus on high-value agriculture, including programs to improve production, processing, and value addition. Establishing orchards of nut crops takes years, so an ecosystem of quality nursery stock, scientific research, financing, and risk management is essential to attract farmers.

In April 2026, at an FSSAI stakeholder meeting, the expansion of food import entry points from 56 to 82 and the digitalization of clearance systems, including the Food Import Clearance System and ICEGATE, were discussed, which improves logistics efficiency. Sector development is also driven by partnerships. Events on the scale of MEWA India 2026 bring together thousands of participants for the exchange of expertise and market analytics. Cooperation through farmer organizations helps agricultural producers aggregate products and improve market access, while investments in storage and processing increase the domestic share of value addition.

Demographics and the population also play a role: the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024, issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), include nuts in a balanced diet. In the future, India can combine domestic production with international trade, turning the growing demand into opportunities for the entire value chain.