India witnesses growth in per capita availability of fruits and vegetables

India has recorded a significant rise in the per capita availability of fruits and vegetables over the last decade, according to a report by SBI Research.

The report highlights that per capita fruit availability increased by 7 kg, while vegetables saw an increase of 12 kg. States like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir have contributed the most to this growth.

Currently, India produces around 227 kg of fruits and vegetables per person annually, surpassing the recommended intake of 146 kg per person. However, a notable portion of this produce is lost during harvesting, storage, grading, and transportation due to its perishable nature.

The report also sheds light on the adverse effects of extreme weather conditions on foodgrain production. Repeated heat waves and cold spells in recent years have disrupted agricultural supply chains and impacted yields. The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) notes that every 1°C rise in temperature above 30°C during the grain-filling stage reduces wheat yield. These climate shocks have contributed to a 3-4% increase in food inflation, further straining the agricultural sector.

The report also underscores growing urbanisation trends in India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Over the past decade (2014–2024), urbanisation increased by more than 5%, with approximately one-third of India's population now residing in cities. The rise in urbanisation is supported by data on personal loans, which show a notable increase of 115 basis points in Uttar Pradesh and 97 basis points in Rajasthan—suggesting higher credit demand in urban areas.

Economists predict that rising urbanisation, coupled with increasing incomes and better employment opportunities in cities, will further boost the demand for fruits and vegetables.