Has India’s horticultural crop production seen a 3.7% rise in 2024-25?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
India's horticultural crop production is soaring, showing a significant increase of 3.66% for the 2024-25 year. This growth, fueled by enhanced fruit and vegetable yields, underscores the sector's crucial role in the economy and agricultural landscape.
Key Takeaways
- India's horticulture production increased by 3.66% in 2024-25.
- The area under cultivation rose to 292.67 lakh hectares.
- Fruit production rose by 1.36% and vegetable output by 6%.
- The sector significantly contributes to 33% of agriculture GVA.
- New crops like kiwi and oil palm are being commercially cultivated.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) The production of horticultural crops in India is projected to have grown by 3.66 percent to 367.72 million tonnes (MT) in the 2024-25 crop year (July-June). This increase is attributed to a higher yield of fruits and vegetables, as per the second advance estimates released by the Union agriculture ministry.
In the previous year, 2023-24, the production of horticultural crops was recorded at 3,547.44 lakh tonnes.
The area utilized for horticultural crops has expanded to 292.67 lakh hectares in 2024-25 from 290.86 lakh hectares in the prior year.
The estimates reveal that fruit production has increased by 1.36 percent to 1,145.10 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. In contrast, vegetable output is expected to rise by 6 percent to 2,196.74 lakh tonnes.
In terms of spices, production is estimated to be 123.70 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, down from 124.84 lakh tonnes the previous year.
Notably, onion production is anticipated to increase to 307.73 lakh tonnes, up from 242.67 lakh tonnes.
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, stated that this production surge is a result of the diligent efforts of farmers and agricultural scientists, along with the initiatives taken by the government.
The Indian horticulture sector contributes roughly 33 percent to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA), playing a vital role in the Indian economy.
In addition to ensuring the nation's nutritional security, this sector offers alternative rural employment, diversifies farming activities, and increases farmers' incomes.
Currently, India produces about 320.48 million tonnes of horticultural products, surpassing food grain production despite utilizing significantly less land (25.66 million hectares for horticulture compared to 127.6 million hectares for food grains). The productivity of horticultural crops is notably higher than that of food grains, with yields of 12.49 tonnes/ha versus 2.23 tonnes/ha.
India has established itself as a global leader in the production of various fruits, including mango, banana, guava, papaya, chicoo, pomegranate, lime, and amla, and ranks as the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, India continues to excel in the production of spices, coconut, and cashew nuts. New crops such as kiwi, gherkins, kinnow, date palm, and oil palm have been successfully introduced for commercial farming.
The initiation of the National Horticulture Mission has significantly boosted the production and productivity of horticultural crops, with productivity increasing by approximately 38.5 percent from 2004-05 to 2021-22 (3rd Advance Estimate).
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has identified 40 clusters for 10 fruits across 15 states and 97 clusters for 11 vegetables in 25 states under the Operation Greens scheme, part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, to improve the availability of raw materials for food processing industries.
Point of View
It is evident that India’s horticulture sector is not just a contributor to the economy but a vital part of the nation's food security. The rising production is a testament to the dedication of farmers and the effectiveness of government initiatives. This growth is crucial for rural employment and enhancing farmer incomes.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated production of horticultural crops in India for 2024-25?
The estimated production of horticultural crops in India for 2024-25 is 367.72 million tonnes, showing a rise of 3.66%.
Which crops contributed to the increase in horticultural production?
The increase in horticultural production is primarily driven by higher outputs of fruits and vegetables.
How does India's horticulture sector contribute to the economy?
The horticulture sector contributes about 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA), playing a significant role in India's economy.
What is the impact of the National Horticulture Mission?
The National Horticulture Mission has significantly enhanced the production and productivity of horticultural crops in India.
How does horticulture productivity compare to food grains?
Horticulture crops have a higher productivity rate of 12.49 tonnes/ha, compared to food grains which yield 2.23 tonnes/ha.
