(a) whether the Government is aware that fruits and
vegetables worth Rs. 50,000 crore are wasted in the country
every year;
(b) whether any survey has been conducted in this regard;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether some foreign retail giants have shown interest
to buy processed food from India;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the steps taken by the Government to exploit such
offers?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) to (f): According to the report of M/s Rabo India
Finance Pvt. Ltd., wastage of agricultural food items is
estimated to be about Rs.58,000 crores occurring at various
stages of handling after harvesting due to fragmented
farming, provisions in Agricultural Produce Marketing
(Development & Regulation) Act, lack of adequate post-
harvest infrastructure such as lack of cold chain
facilities, transportation, proper storage facilities etc.
The loss due to wastages could be reduced by a developed
food processing industry, strengthening of the post-harvest
infrastructure and filling the gaps in the supply chain.
The Government, through its schemes for financial
assistance for development of food processing industry and
other promotional measures, plays a proactive and
facilitating role for overall development of food processing
sector in the country so as to encourage the industry to
make quality products acceptable to buyers international
market. With huge potential of retail driven demand, many
retail giants including foreign companies have shown growing
interest in Indian Agri and Processed food products.
Government through its schematic and policy support is
facilitating better market access to the farmers for their
long-term economic sustainability and better choice to
consumers.