Gandhinagar, Dec 29 (NationPress) The horticulture sector in Gujarat is becoming a vital catalyst for agricultural progress, spurred by innovative policies, the integration of contemporary farming techniques, and proactive involvement from farmers.

This positive trend sets a promising stage for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) Kutch-Saurashtra 2026, scheduled to take place in Rajkot, where the region's agricultural and horticultural successes will be highlighted.

As reported by the State Directorate of Horticulture, Gujarat holds the top position in the nation regarding both the area dedicated to okra farming and its overall production in 2023-24.

This crop was harvested over an area of approximately 93,955 hectares, yielding a remarkable total of 11.68 lakh tonnes.

Saurashtra-Kutch has played a crucial role in contributing to these impressive statistics.

The area represents around 15% of Gujarat's total okra cultivation zone and nearly 13% of the overall production.

In the 2024-25 cycle, okra was sown across 14,000 hectares in twelve districts of Saurashtra and Kutch, leading to an anticipated yield of approximately 1.5 lakh tonnes.

In that same period, Gujarat's contribution to India's total vegetable output was recorded at 7.66%.

Moreover, the Saurashtra-Kutch region cultivated vegetables across 2,32,584 hectares, achieving a considerable production of 47,91,504 metric tonnes.

The significant average yield of 20.60 metric tonnes per hectare highlights the growing efficiency among farmers, improved agricultural practices, and a more robust agricultural support system.

Horticultural crops have emerged as a key element in Gujarat's agricultural evolution, thanks to their higher productivity and the enhanced income potential they offer to farmers.

With consistent policy backing and farmer-centric initiatives, horticulture now constitutes almost 20% of the state's total cultivated land, emphasizing its increasing significance in the rural economy.

The horticulture department of the state is effectively executing centrally funded programs like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), along with various state-level incentive projects.

These initiatives aim to promote cluster-based development, protected farming, post-harvest infrastructure, cold-chain facilities, quality planting materials, and capacity-building efforts.

Under MIDH, support is provided to farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for advanced horticulture practices, polyhouses, packhouses, grading and packing lines, training programs, market connections, and demonstration projects, thereby fortifying the entire value chain from farm to market.

The robust performance of this sector comes at a pivotal moment as Gujarat gears up to host the VGRC Kutch-Saurashtra in Rajkot during the second week of January 2026.

In conjunction with the conference, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition will also take place at the same location.

VGRC 2026 will reaffirm the state government's dedication to balanced regional development, providing a specialized platform to showcase achievements and explore new investment prospects in the key sectors of Saurashtra-Kutch.

This conference is anticipated to unite policymakers, industry leaders, global experts, innovators, and stakeholders from both India and abroad.

Through targeted sectoral sessions, exhibitions, and collaborative platforms, VGRC 2026 will illuminate how Saurashtra and Kutch are prepared to spearhead the next chapter of agricultural advancement and sustainable growth in Gujarat.