Small Exporting Firms in the Fruits and Vegetables Sector in India: An Empirical Study

This paper presents an empirical study on the determinants of export orientation and export performance of the Fruits and Vegetables based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Using firm level data from the fourth all-India MSME census and applying econometric models, we find that firms’ individual characteristics, location specific factors, access to institutional credit and business environment were positively associated with export orientation of these MSME units. Larger MSMEs had significantly higher export growth. Promotional schemes of the government for MSME sector did not have any impact on export potential and export performance of these MSMEs, indicating that benefits of such schemes have not penetrated in these MSMEs.