Indian fruit & veg imports increase by $75m
The unprecedented situation is a result of numerous policy decisions that have made the domestic market less remunerative for farmers. Traders now find it cheaper to import from Australia than to procure local produces.
The change in policies has caused a huge spike in India’s agro food import bill. India imported Rs 5,897 crore worth of fruit and vegetables in 2016-17 while the figure in 2014-15 was Rs 5,414 crore.
On one hand, the government is spending on imports while on the other hand, it has put restrictions on exports. In 2014-15, India’s agrarian exports were to the tune of Rs 1.31 lakh crore but fell to Rs 1.08 lakh crore in 2015-16.
1 crore = 10,000,000
1 RS = 0.016 USD
source: thewire.in
