New Delhi, 14 DEC

Per capita availability of fruits and vegetables has increased by 7 kg and 12 kg, respectively, over the past ten years, according to State Bank of India (SBI) report.

However, it highlights several challenges in the agricultural supply chain that continue to impact food consumption across the country.

Notably, states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir have seen growth in both fruit and vegetable production. However, many northeastern states have reported a decline in per capita production.

India produces around 227 kg of fruits and vegetables per person per year, which exceeds the general recommendation of 146 kg per person annually.

Despite this, a significant portion-30-35 per cent-of fruits and vegetables perish due to their perishable nature, as well as inefficiencies in harvesting, storage, transport, and packaging. This loss affects the overall consumption of these products.

The report also highlights the negative impact of extreme weather conditions--such as heat and cold waves-on agricultural production in recent years.

According to the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), a 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature beyond 30 degree Celsius during the grain-filling period can reduce wheat yields by 3-4 per cent.

Middle- and high-income states have experienced a faster decline in food inflation over the last decade, compared to low-income states.

The report also suggests that the increase in wages for non-agriculture labourers has minimal impact on food inflation. The average daily wage rate for non-agricultural labourers and rural inflation has shown little correlation, indicating that wage increases do not contribute significantly to rising food prices. ANI