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Key Points

India's horticulture sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with crop production increasing by 3.7% in 2024-25. The surge is primarily driven by higher fruit and vegetable outputs, demonstrating the sector's resilience and potential. Agricultural experts and government initiatives have played a crucial role in this achievement, highlighting the importance of strategic agricultural planning. The sector not only ensures nutritional security but also provides significant economic opportunities for rural communities.

Key Points: India Horticulture Crops Rise 3.7% in 2024-25 Production

  • Fruits production rises 1.36% to 1,145.10 lakh tonnes
  • Vegetable output increases 6% to 2,196.74 lakh tonnes
  • Horticulture sector contributes 33% to agriculture GVA
3 min read

India's production of horticultural crops rises 3.7 pc in 2024-25

India's horticulture sector shows robust growth with increased fruit and vegetable production, contributing significantly to national agricultural economy.

"The increase in production has taken place due to efforts of farmers and agricultural scientists - Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Agriculture Minister"

New Delhi, June 26

India's production of horticulture crops is estimated to have increased by 3.66 per cent to 367.72 million tonnes (MT) in the 2024-25 crop year (July-June) due to the higher output of fruits and vegetables, according to the second advance estimates released by the Union agriculture ministry.

In 2023-24, the horticulture crops production stood at 3,547.44 lakh tonnes.

The area under the coverage of horticultural crops increased to 292.67 lakh hectares in 2024-25 from 290.86 lakh hectares in the preceding year.

The data shows that the production of fruits is estimated to have risen 1.36 per cent to 1,145.10 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while the output of vegetables is projected to have increased 6 per cent to 2,196.74 lakh tonnes.

Spice production is estimated at 123.70 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 against 124.84 lakh tonnes in the preceding year.

In the vegetable categories, onion output is estimated to have risen to 307.73 lakh tonnes from 242.67 lakh tonnes.

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said the increase in production has taken place due to efforts of farmers and agricultural scientists as well as initiatives taken by the government

The Indian horticulture sector contributes about 33 per cent to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA) making very significant contribution to the Indian economy.

Apart from ensuring nutritional security of the nation, it provides alternate rural employment opportunities, diversification in farm activities, and enhanced income to farmers.

India is currently producing about 320.48 million tonnes of horticulture produce which has surpassed the food grain production, that too from much less area (25.66 million Ha. for horticulture against 127.6 M. ha. for food grains). Productivity of horticulture crops is much higher compared to productivity of food grains (12.49 tonnes/ha against 2.23 tonnes/ha.).

India has emerged as world leader in the production of a variety of fruits like mango, banana, guava, papaya, chicoo, pomegranate, lime and amla and is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables.

Besides, India has maintained its dominance in the production of spices, coconut and cashew nut. Among the new crops, kiwi, gherkins, kinnow, date palm and oil palm have been successfully introduced for commercial cultivation in the country.

The launch of National Horticulture Mission has spurred the production and productivity of horticultural crops. Productivity of horticulture crops has increased by about 38.5 per cent between 2004-05 and 2021-22 (3rd Advance Estimate).

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has also identified 40 clusters for 10 fruits in 15 states, 97 clusters for 11 vegetables in 25 states under scheme for Operation Greens under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana for better availability of raw material to food processing industries.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news! Our farmers are truly the backbone of India's growth story. The 6% increase in vegetable production is especially impressive. Hope this translates to better prices for farmers and stable prices for consumers. Jai Kisan! 🙏
P
Priya M.
While the numbers look good, I hope the government ensures proper storage facilities and supply chain management. We produce so much but still see wastage and price fluctuations. More focus needed on cold storage and food processing infrastructure.
A
Amit S.
Great to see India maintaining its leadership in fruits like mango and banana! 🍌🥭 Our agricultural scientists deserve appreciation for increasing productivity. Maybe we can export more and earn valuable foreign exchange. Make in India should include farm produce too!
S
Sunita R.
The onion production increase is a relief! Remember last year's prices? 😅 Hope this means no more tears at the kitchen while cooking. Government should maintain buffer stocks to prevent such price shocks in future.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting that horticulture productivity is nearly 6 times food grains! Shows where our future lies. With climate change, we need to shift more towards these water-efficient crops. More focus on drip irrigation could help further boost these numbers.
N
Neha P.
The introduction of new crops like kiwi and oil palm shows our farmers' adaptability. But I hope we don't lose focus on traditional crops that are part of our food culture. Balance is important for both nutrition and biodiversity.

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