Question : SHORTAGE OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

(a) whether it is a fact that shortage of vegetables and fruits and consequent increase in selling prices is attributed to untimely rains in some parts of the country which destroyed the crops;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the anticipated and actual production of onion, tomatoes, peas, cauliflower, beans, carrots, bananas, apples etc. during November 2011 and January, 2012;

(d) whether it is a fact that there is increase in the production of fruits and vegetables in the country during the year 2010-11;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the export of such products has also increased besides their yield; and

(g) if so, the increase in the percentage with regard to export of fruits and vegetables in comparison to previous years?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) & (b): Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has not receive any reports on destruction of crops due to untimely rains which has caused increase in selling prices of fruits and vegetables. The increase in price of fruits and vegetables depends on demand and supply and market forces.

(c) to (e): The details of production of fruits and vegetables including bananas, apples, onion, tomatoes, peas, cauliflower, beans and carrots during the period 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 is as follows:-

(Rs.in lakh MT)
Year	Fruits	Vegetables
2009-10	715.16	1337.38
2010-11	748.78	1465.54
2011-12#	775.25	1496.07