While the prices of vegetables are hitting hard, a recent UN report on food waste states that India is ahead of China when it comes to food wastage and its impact on natural resources. For instance, many food items like rice consume large quantities of water.

It is estimated that in India more than 230 cu. km. of fresh water, enough to provide drinking water to 10 crore people a year, goes into producing food items that are ultimately wasted. China is second with 140 cubic km and Pakistan third with 55 cu. km.

According to Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation’s report, globally, one-third of the food produced is wasted, costing the world economy about $750 billion (more than Rs. 47 lakh crore). It said Asian countries, especially India and China, cause a loss of 1.3 billion tonnes of food every year. Infact, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar recently stated that agriculture produce to the tune of Rs. 50,000 crore --- 40 per cent of the total produce --- was wasted every year in the country.