Horticulture Sector in India

Why It’s in the News

The Indian Cabinet has approved a significant scheme for the sustainable development of horticulture with a budget of Rs 1129.30 crore. This initiative aims to enhance farmers' income through a variety of horticultural crops, including tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, root, tuber, bulbous, vegetable, floriculture, and more. Additionally, a Rs 1,766-crore Clean Plant Programme (CPP) has been sanctioned under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to further support the sector.

Key Components of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

• Objective: To promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce reliance on imported planting materials, aligning with the Mission LiFE and One Health initiatives.
• Implementing Agencies: The National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Core Components:
• Establishment of 9 Clean Plant Centers equipped with advanced diagnostic and tissue culture labs.
• Development of a Certification Framework supported by regulations under the Seeds Act, 1966.
• Support for large-scale nurseries to improve infrastructure.

About the Horticulture Sector

The horticulture sector encompasses the cultivation, production, processing, and marketing of a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Major types include:

• Pomology: Fruit cultivation, including viticulture (grape cultivation).
• Olericulture: Vegetable cultivation.
• Floriculture: Flower and ornamental plant cultivation.
• Arboriculture: Cultivation of trees and shrubs.

Current Status

• Production: In 2022-23, India produced 355.48 million tonnes of horticultural products, constituting 13.1% of the gross cropped area. Fruits and vegetables account for nearly 90% of this production.
• Global Ranking: India ranks 2nd globally in fruit and vegetable production, following China. The country is the largest producer of onions, ginger, and okra, and ranks first in bananas, mangoes, and papayas.
• Exports: India holds the 14th position in vegetable exports and 23rd in fruit exports.

Initiatives to Support the Sector

• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (2014): A centrally sponsored scheme focusing on holistic growth through various sub-schemes.
• Rs 18,000 crore investment for 100 export-oriented horticulture clusters.
• CHAMAN Program: A coordinated effort to estimate the area and production of horticultural crops using geoinformatics.
• Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme: Support for building cold storage and other infrastructure for horticultural products.

Challenges Facing the Sector

• Low Export Share: India’s global horticultural market share is only 1%, with issues such as pesticide residue causing rejections in key markets.
• Infrastructure Deficit: Inadequate cold storage and logistics contribute to high post-harvest losses.
• Small Landholdings: Fragmented land limits cultivation and sustainable practices.
• Additional Challenges: Limited value addition, irrigation issues, pests and diseases, climate change impacts, and lack of access to credit for small farmers.

Way Forward

• Capacity Building: Initiatives to help farmers, processors, and exporters meet international standards.
• Value Chain Efficiency: Expanding cold storage and improving transport infrastructure to minimize losses.
• Encouraging Entrepreneurship: Creating job opportunities and new businesses in the sector.
• Adopting Agricultural Technologies: Implementing precision agriculture, hydroponics, and tissue culture for better productivity.
• Climate-Smart Practices: Promoting resilient agricultural techniques and integrated pest management.

This comprehensive approach aims to boost the horticulture sector in India, ensuring sustainable growth and increased income for farmers.