Why a GST cut on fizzy drinks might boost India’s fruit farmers
India’s beverage sector remains relatively limited in its product offerings, even as consumers show a growing appetite for new and innovative drinks, observes former bureaucrat and development economist Aruna Sharma in her exclusive column on the challenges facing India’s fruit farming sector and GST policy.
The focus of agriculture remains on increasing production, even as landholdings continue to shrink. After traditional cash crops, horticultural crops—particularly fruit cultivation—have emerged as a boon for farmers. In agriculture 46.1% of workforce is engaged and horticulture adds around one third of value. It has adopted floriculture, medicinal plants and fruits. Many of them are unique to India. Processing the same and increasing their shelf value is the future to shift wealth from urban to rural India.
