India is the world’s second largest fruit basket, with a 10.9% share in global production in 2020, latest available data from the Food and Agriculture Organization shows. Yet, government statistics hint at inadequate consumption of what is an essential part of a balanced diet. At the same time, exotic fruits—and dishes that use them as ingredients—are getting popular in some sections of the society, thanks in part to food bloggers, popular food shows, and chef influencers on social media. Mint explores India’s vast fruit choices and how the country is discovering international delights ranging from kiwis to dragon fruits and avocados.
Exotic surge
Evolving taste preferences and growing affluence have led to increasing demand for exotic fruits outside the apple-banana-orange mix. In dollar terms, imports of fresh fruits have risen by 8% per year in the past decade. But kiwis, apricots, avocados, and various types of berries have grown much faster. This has led to increased availability of such fruits in urban areas through local supermarkets and quick-commerce grocery platforms.
Fruits powerhouse
India’s fruit output has grown steadily over the past decade. Each state has its own specialty—Andhra Pradesh gives bananas and papayas, while a good quantity of the beloved mangoes comes from Uttar Pradesh. Farmers have also diversified cultivation, thanks to state incentives. Arunachal Pradesh has become a hub for kiwi cultivation, and Uttarakhand leads in peaches and plums.
Trade dilemma
Despite being one of the largest producers, India also imports fruits heavily. Over the last decade, exports have risen 1.7 times, but imports have grown 2.2 times. India runs a consistent trade deficit in fruits, which has only expanded. In 2022-23, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and Iran, apart from some neighbouring countries, emerged as primary destinations for fresh fruit exports from India, while the US was the largest import destination.
Consumption gap
Meanwhile, the National Family Health Survey shows Indians are not consuming enough fruit. About half of the women and 44% of men eat fruits only occasionally or never as of 2019-21, up only marginally since 2015-16. Studies show Indians don’t meet the daily recommended fruit intake. Fruits could be losing out on reaching plates due to their high costs.
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Updated: 06 Jul 2023, 12:41 AM IST
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