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Context

• The total horticulture production in 2021-22 is estimated to be 341.63 million tonnes (MT), an increase of 21% over the 2020-21 figure-Union Agriculture Ministry.

India's position in production of horticulture crops

• It ranks second in fruits and vegetables production in the world, after China.
• Its horticulture production has increased by 30 per cent in the last five years.
• India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world with first rank in the production of Banana, Mango, Lime & Lemon, Papaya and Okra.

 

• Last year, the total horticulture cultivation was on 27.48 million hectares and according to the second advanced estimates, in 2021-22, it could be 27.74 million hectares.

 

Challenges in the Horticulture Sector

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) is not applicable to this sector.
• Lack of machinery and equipment.
• High price fluctuations.
• Lack of good cold chain storage and transport networks.

 

Way Ahead

• Science and technology-led advancement
• Improvement in quality seeds & plants and bringing newly introduced cultivators that ensures quick and efficient cultivation process.
• Imparting the meaningful education related to Horticulture to upscale youth knowledge regarding various government schemes and modern equipment and machinery.
• Adopt post-harvest management exercises to enhance the value of fruits in the long run.
• Value addition is the process that meets the requirements of nutritional security. It boosts the economic value of Horticulture crops.
• Organizing Research & Development Programmes at National level.
• Establishing a better long-distance transportation network should be a task of utmost importance to ensure smooth and hindrance-free transportation of fresh Horticultural produce.
• Preserved cultivation, hydroponic & aeroponic should get enfolded for polishing up productivity along with the quality of produce.

 

 Initiatives taken

• Horticulture Area Production Information System (HAPIS) -a web enabled information system by which data from the states/districts is reported. This minimizes the time-lag and maximizes the coverage area.
• Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and MANagement using geoinformatics (CHAMAN)- to develop scientific methodology for estimation of area & production under horticulture crops. Method used: Remote Sensing and Sample Survey Techniques.
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector. Under MIDH, Government of India (GOI) contributes 60%, of total outlay for developmental programmes in all the states except states in North East and Himalayas, 40% share is contributed by State Governments. In the case of North Eastern States and Himalayan States, GOI contributes 90%. Schemes under it are: National Horticulture Mission (NHM); Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH); National Horticulture Board (NHB); Coconut Development Board (CDB) & Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland.

 

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