India is the World’s second largest producer of Fruits & Vegetables. However, the processing of perishable products in our country is very low, in comparison to the developed countries or developing countries like China, Brazil, Malaysia, Vietnam, etc. One of the main constraints in the growth of processing of fruits & vegetables in the country is non-availability of modern and suitable infrastructure with efficient supply Chain. Consequently, there is very high level of wastage of the fruits & vegetables in the country resulting in the farmer not getting adequate remuneration for his yield. A study conducted by Central Institute of Post Harvesting Engineering Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana, an ICAR institute, reveals that wastage in various agricultural crops in the country range from 6-18% and the highest loss has been shown in fruits and vegetables.

Ministry of Food processing Industries invites views/ suggestions for reduction of these losses.

Last date for sending your suggestions is 1st February 2015.