The Union ministry of agriculture has decided to double the fruits and vegetables production by 2011-12.
KL Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture, said that since 2005-06 the government had implemented several schemes to double the fruits and vegetable production in the country. There was an increase of 15% in vegetables and 8% in fruit production in 2007-08.
At present, the country produces 13% and 12% of world production of vegetables and fruits respectively, whereas it shares only 1.38% in the global fruits and vegetable market.
The minister said, "Indias poor share in the global fruit and vegetable market is largely attributed to the poor handling and lack of post-harvest management, including shortage of cold chain, resulting in 10-30% wastage."
According to reports, Indias export of fresh fruits and vegetable is expected to touch about $535 million per annum.
Currently, India produces over 41% of the worlds mangoes, 23% bananas, 24% cashew nuts, 36% green peas and 10% onions. With diverse agro-climatic zones, India can grow almost all varieties of fresh fruits and green vegetables.
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