Extending the Shelf-Life of Fruits and Vegetables Using Indigenous Methods of Storage

Abstract

Agriculture occupies a predominant position in the Indian economy by contributing about 50 per cent of the national income and providing a means of livelihood to nearty 70 per cent of the population. It was estimated that the total production of fruits in the country was about 18.8 million tonnes in 1976-77 which has increased to 28.39 million tonnes in 1989-90. Its production is next only to Brazil and the United States. Manshi has reported that India is the second largest producer after China. The present production of vegetables in the country is estimated at 54.36 million tonnes representing ten fold increase over the production at the time of independence.