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Chikoo's Role in Powering Indian Horticulture at VRGC South Gujarat

The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for South Gujarat, held on May 1-2 in Surat, highlights chikoo's role in horticulture. The region produced over 1.15 lakh metric tonnes of chikoo in 2024-25, accounting for 50% of Gujarat's output. Farmers receive Rs 22,000 per hectare assistance under the Integrated Horticulture Development Program. The conference aims to attract investment in processing, packaging, and export to enhance farmer incomes.

Key Points: Chikoo Boosts Gujarat Horticulture at Vibrant Gujarat Conference

  • South Gujarat produces 50% of Gujarat's chikoo
  • 1.15 lakh tonnes valued at Rs 230 crore in 2024-25
  • Farmers get Rs 22,000 per hectare assistance
  • Conference explores investment in cold chain, processing, and export
2 min read

VRGC South Gujarat to focus on chikoo's role in powering Indian horticulture

VRGC South Gujarat focuses on chikoo's role in horticulture, with 1.15 lakh tonnes produced in 2024-25, offering investment in processing, export, and agri-tech.

"Every second chikoo produced in Gujarat comes from this region - State Government's Directorate of Horticulture"

Gandhinagar, April 29

The upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for South Gujarat is scheduled to be held at AURO University in Surat on May 1 and 2, and will spotlight regional achievements and open new pathways for agricultural innovation and growth.

This comes at a time when the South Gujarat region is emerging as a prominent hub of chikoo production, playing a crucial role in driving the state's horticulture success. This region produced over 1.15 lakh metric tonnes of chikoo valued at over Rs 230 crore in 2024-25. This accounted for nearly 50% of the state's total output, indicating that every second chikoo produced in Gujarat comes from this region.

According to the state government's Directorate of Horticulture, Gujarat is the second-largest chikoo-producing state in India.

As part of the Gujarat government's Integrated Horticulture Development Program, Sapota farmers will be provided 90% Assistance in planting material of Horticultural crops. Chikoo farmers will get Rs 22,000 per hectare for cultivation as assistance.

VGRC (South Gujarat) is expected to further amplify opportunities in the horticulture sector. Chikoo cultivation presents immense potential for value addition through processing, packaging, branding and export. The conference will be an ideal platform to showcase the state's agricultural strength. It will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, exporters and policymakers to explore collaborative ventures that can enhance farmer incomes and expand market reach. With growing domestic and international demand for fresh and processed fruits, Gujarat is well-positioned to attract investment in cold chain infrastructure, food-processing units and agri-logistics.

The scope of investment also extends to value addition, packaging, export-oriented supply chains, agri-tech solutions, warehousing, ripening facilities and integrated farm-to-market linkages, creating opportunities across the entire agricultural value chain. The state's leadership in chikoo cultivation reflects its broader commitment to agricultural diversification and farmer empowerment.

By combining natural advantages with policy support and market connectivity, Gujarat continues to create a sustainable and growth-oriented horticulture ecosystem. The state's success in chikoo farming sets a strong example of how the agricultural sector can contribute towards the economic growth, rural development and investment opportunities across the value chain.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Impressive numbers – 1.15 lakh tonnes worth over Rs 230 crore! Gujarat really is putting the 'vibrant' in horticulture. But I wish they'd also focus on organic farming incentives. Chikoo is naturally pest-resistant, so it could be a great candidate for organic certification and premium exports to Europe or the Middle East.
R
Ravi K
Every second chikoo in Gujarat comes from South Gujarat? That's something to be proud of! 😊 My grandfather was a chikoo farmer in Navsari. He always said the key is proper post-harvest handling. With 90% subsidy on planting material and Rs 22,000 per hectare, I hope the state also invests in ripening chambers and cold storage – that's where most fruit gets wasted.
S
Sneha F
Good initiative but I'm cautiously optimistic. These conferences often end up being photo ops rather than actual change. 🤔 My concern is whether small farmers will actually benefit from these 'investment opportunities' or if they'll just be pushed out by big corporate players. Need more emphasis on farmer cooperatives and fair pricing mechanisms.
M
Michael C
As someone who works in agri-export, I can vouch for the potential of Indian chikoo. The fruit is excellent but packaging and grading need improvement. If VRGC South Gujarat can bring in cold chain infrastructure and modern processing units, we could easily double exports. The demand for exotic fruits in the Gulf is huge – time to tap that market properly! 🚀
K
Kavya N
Love this! 🙌 Chikoo milkshakes and ice creams are a staple in our home. There's so much potential

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