The Federation of Indian Export
Organization (FIEO) called for more
intense efforts from business houses,
policy makers, and traders on India’s
low share of food export in the world
even though the country produces very
high quantities of fruits and
vegetables. India is the 2nd largest
vegetable producer with 54 million
tons (mt) annual production and 3rd
largest fruit producer 28 mt.
FIEO Chairman R. K. Dhawan said that
despite such high production, India’s
share of vegetable and fruit export is
insignificant because over 30% of
production is trashed due to lack of
post-harvest market techniques and
only 7% valued added fortification.
However, he appreciated the tax breaks
from the Government for food
processing and expressed confidence
that such policies will ensure that
India will double its export by 2015.
He was bullish that India could easily
treble its food processing and own 3%
of world trade in processed food by
2015.
As part of WTO Doha Round agreements,
the United States and European Union
are planning to cut large subsidies to
their farmers. If India moves fast and
invests more in food processing, it
could gain even a larger percentage of
the food export market.
