Lucknow, May 7 (PTI) Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said India needs to significantly increase exports of fruits and vegetables to enhance farmers' income, generate employment and earn foreign exchange.

Speaking to reporters during a two-day 'Fruit Horizon 2026' programme in Lucknow, Chouhan said the event has been organised with the objective of increasing fruit production, improving quality and strengthening processing infrastructure.

"The objective is to increase fruit production, improve quality and strengthen processing activities," he said.

The minister said India is a leading producer of several fruit varieties, particularly mangoes.

"The quantity and quality of mangoes that we produce are unmatched in the world. Whether it is mangoes, grapes, bananas or litchis, we are among the leading producers. However, our exports are still quite low," he said.

Chouhan said the government wants Indian fruits and vegetables to reach larger international markets.

"If exports of our fruits and vegetables increase, farmers' incomes will rise, foreign exchange earnings will grow and employment opportunities will also expand. Keeping this vision in mind, this two-day programme is being organised," he added.

The minister said another programme linked to the initiative would be held on Friday at the Rahman Khera campus of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The minister said the government has brought together farmers, exporters, processors and institutions such as APEDA, MIDH and ICAR on a common platform to discuss the challenges faced by the sector.

"We were discussing several issues, including increasing shelf life of produce, high freight costs, infrastructure requirements, cold storage, ripening chambers and transportation-related matters. Discussions have taken place and will continue further," he said.

Chouhan said the government is working towards finding solutions to problems faced by farmers and exporters, adding that while some issues can be resolved immediately, others require long-term research.

"If the shelf life of produce has to be increased, research is needed for that purpose. Teams have already been formed for different research-related works. Discussions are being held in the interest of farmers and exporters," he added. PTI KIS SHM