MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY
AFFAIRS(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): No, Madam. The production of fruits and vegetables has increased
during the last three years. A statement showing the details of production of fruits and
vegetables during last three years is given in the table below-
(in 000` MT)
Year 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11#
Fruits 68465.5 71515.5 75825.6
Vegetables 129076.8 133737.6 137686.6
Total 197542.3 205253.1 213512.2
Source: National Horticulture Board
#2nd Advanced Estimate - Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
The wholesale price index for fruits and vegetables has shown some increase during
the last three years as under:
Year 2008 2009 2010
Fruits & 131.9 3143.6 1163.02
Vegetables
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Prices of fruits and vegetables, which are mostly perishable commodities, by
and large depend on market forces, prevailing weather conditions, cost of storage,
transportation and rising demand due to increasing income and urbanization.
(c) to (e): Yes, Madam. To enhance the production and productivity of
horticultural crops including fruits and vegetables, Department of Agriculture &
Cooperation is implementing two Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz., (i) Horticulture
Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) and (ii) National Horticulture
Mission (NHM) in remaining States and Union Territories. A statement showing the
details of pattern of assistance under HMNEH and NHM is given at Annexure-I.
Good post harvest management and market infrastructure is essential to
stabilize prices of horticulture products, for which assistance is provided under these
Missions for setting up of cold storages, terminal markets, wholesale markets and rural
primary markets/apni mandies. National Horticulture Board is also implementing
various schemes for enhancement of production of horticulture and its better storage.
Further, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has launched a new
programme on Vegetable Initiative for Urban Cluster (VIUC), during 2011-12, under the
aegis of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The Scheme is being implemented
in one city each of 29 States having a population of one million or capital city.
