Supply-Demand Projection and Gap Analysis for Fruits in Assam

Abstract

Assam state is endowed with exotic fruits due to its diverse agro-climatic condition and can be considered as the hub of various indigenous fruits. The present study was conducted with an objective of analysing the supply - demand projection and supply-demand gap of fruits in the state. It was found that the projected supply is much higher than the projected demand and the surplus continues up to 2050. However, the projected demand was found to be more than the projected supply in the later years when ICMR recommendation of consumption of fruits was taken into account. In addition to that it was also observed that the consumption of fruits is about 60 percent less than the ICMR recommendation. It is imperative to take appropriate action from the supply demand gap and to channelize towards export and value-addition of fruits through various schemes like Mission for Integrated development of Horticulture (MIDH), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Mega Food Park scheme of Ministry of Food Processing Industries.