India to double fruits&vegetables production by 2011-12

Published: 19 Apr 2009 19:30:28 PST

The Union Ministry of Agriculture has decided to double the fruits&vegetables production by 2011-12. K L Bhuria, minister of state for agriculture, said since 2005-06 the government had implemented several schemes to double the fruits&vegetable production in the country. There was an increase of 15 per cent in vegetables and eight per cent in fruit production in 2007-08.

At present, the country produces 12 per cent and 13 per cent of world production of fruits & vegetables, respectively, whereas it shares only 1.38 per cent in the global fruits & vegetables market.

Focusing on world marketshare, the minister said, "India's poor share in the global fruits & vegetables market is largely attributed to the poor handling and lack of post-harvest management, including shortage & cold chain, resulting in 10-30 per cent wastage." According to reports, India's export of fresh fruits & vegetables is expected to touch $ 535 million per annum.

Currently, India produces over 41 per cent of the world's mangoes, 23 per cent of bananas, 24 per cent of cashew nuts, 36 per cent of green peas and 10 per cent of onions. With diverse agro-climatic zones, India can grow almost all varieties of fresh fruits and green vegetables.