In an effort to tackle rapid food inflation India’s Planning Commission wants to see the country’s horticultural production increase by 4.5-5 per cent.
According to a report in the Business Standard, the approach paper to the commission’s 12th Plan laid out the target for growth in fruit and vegetable production, while more modest totals were set for growth in the production of pulses and food grains.
Experts in the country believe supplies of fruit and vegetables must match demand before food inflation can be reined in.
For the week ending 13 August food inflation had risen to 9.8 per cent, the newspaper reported.
The approach paper stated India should aim to become self-sufficient in food production to insulate against the vagaries of the world food market, while a food surplus to be used to maintain peace in surrounding countries would be desirable.
