Sharp fall in Indian fruit & veg yield

16 September 1998

Sharp fall in Indian fruit & veg yield

A SHARP fall in the yield of horticultural crops in India has sparked a steep rise in prices and fear that the nutritional needs of the population will not be met.

Production of fruit and vegetables in India is hoped to exceed 145 million tonnes. Indias Horticulture Commission puts the countrys requirement at 233.6m tonnes.

The commission is hoping to foster extra production by making available high quality seeds and transferring technology to farmers.

Authorities say production can only be increased by improved agricultural practices rather than by making more land available

• Financial Times 16/09/98 page 44 (News Digest)