Indian vegetable production at 156 million in 2011-12

During 2011-12, the production of fruits and vegetables in India was 76.42 million and 156.33 million tonnes, respectively.

The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation ministry said it is implementing various programmes to promote horticulture in the country.

Steps are being taken to increase production and productivity of crops, creating post harvest management, marketing infrastructure and setting up of processing units to increase access to fruits and vegetables for daily consumption for the common man.

The agriculture sector is estimated to grow at 1.9% in 2012-13 at 2004-05 prices and the contribution of agriculture to the GDP is likely to decline to 13.7% in 2012-13.

The decline in growth rate and contribution of agriculture to GDP is on account of structural changes due to a shift from a traditional agrarian economy to a service dominated one.