India's horticulture sector has expanded over the past decade, supported by government efforts to diversify into high-value agriculture as part of its income-doubling strategy for farmers.
As of August 2025, the second advanced estimates for the 2024-25 season show horticulture production at 367.72 million tons, compared with 280.70 million tons in 2013-14. This includes 114.51 million tons of fruit, 219.67 million tons of vegetables, and 33.54 million tons from other horticultural crops.
For 2023-24, fruit production rose from 86.6 million tons in 2014-15 to 112.97 million tons, an increase of around 30%. Vegetable production grew from 169.47 million tons to 207.2 million tons in the same period, a rise of 22%. Productivity levels also improved, with fruit yields increasing from 14.17 to 15.80 tons per hectare and vegetables from 17.76 to 18.40 tons per hectare.
According to an official statement issued on Sunday, "The horticulture sector has witnessed notable progress over the years through targeted government schemes and initiatives that aim to tackle key challenges while unlocking the sector's full potential. The focus remains on enhancing crop quality, increasing production, and improving farmers' access to markets."
The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, launched in 2014-15, is the main centrally sponsored scheme guiding this growth. It aims to ensure the holistic development of the sector across states and Union Territories.
Impact assessments of the scheme have been conducted by independent agencies, including NITI Aayog, while the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare carries out ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Based on findings, the scheme has been restructured with adjustments and new components to address field-level challenges.
Among the initiatives are Centres of Excellence in Horticulture, which provide demonstration and training on new technologies, and the Horticulture Cluster Development Program, which leverages the geographical strengths of production clusters.
Source: The Sentinel
