Skyrocketing prices of fresh fruit and vegetables price in India have become a cause of concern for many parts of the country. Prices of several fresh green vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes and onions have witnessed a significant increase in recent times.
Traders and farmers are attributing this surge to a combination of factors. The initial intense heatwave, followed by intermittent rainfall, and finally the excessive rainfall, has disrupted the vegetable supply chain, leading to a scarcity in the market.
In the midst of the ongoing challenge, the food processing industry emerges as a potential game-changer to alleviate the situation. Experts believe that by bolstering the food processing sector, India can effectively combat the price rise and ensure a more stable food supply chain.
The annual output of fruits and vegetables in India stands at a substantial 300 million tons, yet the processing of these agricultural products remains dismally low at around 2-3 per cent. By increasing the processing capacity, a significant portion of the fruits and vegetables can be converted into various processed products, reducing wastage and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
