News Today Logo

Posted 06 Jun 2024

Updated 07 Jun 2024

2 min read

Key highlights of estimates released by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

  • Horticultural production in 2023-24 has decreased to 352.23 million tonnes (by 0.91% as compared to 2022-23). 
  • Increase in production of Fruits, Honey, Flowers, Plantation Crops, Spices and Aromatics & Medicinal Plants whereas decrease in Vegetables.

About Horticulture Sector

  • Horticulture is the art of production, utilisation and improvement of fruits and vegetables, spices and condiments, ornamental, plantation, medicinal and aromatic plants. 
  • It contributes about 33% to agriculture Gross Value Added to Indian economy.
  • India is the second largest producer of vegetables and fruits in world after China.

Importance of Horticulture crops

  • Horticulture crops are high-value crops, have high productivity and require less irrigation, thus increasing profitability of farmers. 
  • Rich source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, etc.
  • Good source of foreign exchange due to higher demand in international market.
  • Horticultural produce serves as raw material for various industries like food processing, pharmaceutical etc.

Associated Challenges 

  • Outdated harvesting practices and inadequate cold chain infrastructure, resulting in 4.6-15.9% wastage annually.
  • Lack of high-quality seedlings and rootstock. 
  • Climate change and persistent pests lead to infestations and plant diseases, diminishing crop yield and quality.

Initiatives taken to promote Horticulture Sector

  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, for holistic growth of horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, etc.
  • Horticulture Cluster Development Programme to leverage geographical specialisation and promote integrated and market-led development of horticulture clusters.
  • Tags :
  • Horticulture Cluster Development Programme
  • Horticulture Sector
  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
Watch News Today
Width resize handle
Height resize handle

Search Notes

Filter Notes

No notes yet

Create your first note to get started.

No notes found

Try adjusting your search criteria.

Subscribe for Premium Features