Export and Import Performance of Fruits in India

The paper has reviewed the export and import performance of fruits in India for the period 1991–92 to 2013–14. India's diverse climate ensures availability of all varieties of fresh fruits all over the season with second rank in fruits production in the world. India ranks first in production of banana (22.04%), papaya (40.74%), mango (including mango teens), and guavas (32.65%). The vast production base offers India tremendous opportunities for export. During 2013–14, India exported fruits worth of 3169.61 crores. The area under fruits has increased two-fold in India and seven-fold in Maharashtra during the study period. Maharashtra contributes maximum share to India's area and production of grapes, pomegranate and sapota. Andhra Pradesh is the largest grower of citrus, followed by Maharashtra, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. These four states account for more than 70 per cent of national production of citrus fruits. The export of banana has been highest, followed by grapes, apple and mango during the year 2013–14. India imported fresh fruits worth of 91079 lakh in 2013–14. The national policy on food processing aims at increasing the level of food processing to 25 per cent by 2025.