India’s ministry of agriculture wants to double the nation’s fruit and vegetable production by 2011-12 in a bid to boost its share of the global export market, reports Food & Beverage News.

India currently produces 13 per cent and 12 per cent of world production of vegetables and fruits respectively, whereas it holds a 1.38 per cent share of the global fresh produce market, KL Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture, said.

'India's 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 per cent wastage,' he said.

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

India’s fruit and vegetable production rose 8 per cent and 15 per cent respectively in 2007-2008 thanks to government schemes dating back to 2005 to boost the sector, Mr Bhuria said.

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