South Gujarat's chikoo (sapota) production belt is set to take centre stage at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), scheduled for 1–2 May 2025 at Auro University, Surat, where the fruit will be showcased as a catalyst for investment, farmer income growth, and agro-industrial expansion. The two-day conference is expected to draw policymakers, investors, exporters, and agri-entrepreneurs focused on horticulture-linked industries.

Gujarat's Chikoo Output: The Numbers

According to official data from the Directorate of Horticulture, Gujarat produced approximately 2.40 lakh metric tonnes of chikoo in 2024–25, placing it as the second-largest chikoo producer in India. The state also leads nationally in area under cultivation, with more than 25,000 hectares dedicated to chikoo farming.

Within Gujarat, South Gujarat dominates production, contributing over 1.15 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25 — valued at more than ₹230 crore. This accounts for nearly half of the state's total output, meaning every second chikoo grown in Gujarat originates from this region.

Policy Support Driving Farm Incomes

The state government has been actively promoting horticulture expansion through its Integrated Horticulture Development Programme. Under the scheme, chikoo farmers are eligible for 90 per cent assistance on planting material of horticultural crops, along with financial support of ₹22,000 per hectare for cultivation. These measures are aimed at improving productivity, reducing input costs, and strengthening farmer incomes across the region.

Agro-Industrial Potential in Focus

VGRC South Gujarat is expected to highlight chikoo not merely as a primary agricultural commodity but as a foundation for value-added industries. The fruit is considered well-suited for processing, packaging, branding, and export, with significant scope for investment in cold chain infrastructure, food processing units, warehousing, ripening facilities, and agri-logistics networks.

The conference is also expected to explore opportunities in agri-tech solutions and integrated farm-to-market systems, with emphasis on improving supply chain efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses — a persistent challenge in fresh fruit value chains. Notably, this positions VGRC as more than a policy showcase; it is being structured as a deal-making platform for private sector participation in agri-infrastructure.

Broader Horticulture Growth Strategy

With rising demand for fresh and processed fruits in both domestic and international markets, Gujarat's chikoo sector is being positioned as a pillar of the state's broader horticulture growth strategy. Officials indicate that aligning regional agricultural strengths with industrial and export opportunities is essential for improving market access for farmers while enabling greater private sector involvement.

VGRC South Gujarat is likely to serve as a key inflection point for the region's agri-economy, with chikoo cultivation forming a flagship example of farm-to-industry integration. The outcomes of the conference are expected to shape future investment flows into Gujarat's agricultural value chain.