PM Modi proposes blending 2% fruit juice in aerated drinks

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday suggested mixing at least 2 percent fruit juice in aerated drinks to help distressed farmers find a new market for their produce.

Speaking at the conference of start-up businesses, Modi said he suggested the idea to top officials of leading aerated drinks companies who visited him recently.

"Why can't 2 percent natural juice be mixed in aerated drinks? This will provide farmers a market for their produce," he explained.

The possibility of blending cold carbonated drinks, which are widely considered not healthy, with natural fruit juice is also being looked into.

According to a recent report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, consumption of non-alcoholic beverages is expected to increase by 16.5-19 percent over the next three years in the country.