Context: Recently, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates of 2023-24 of Area and Production of various Horticultural Crops compiled on the basis of information received from States/ UTs and other Governmental sources.

Key Highlights of Estimates Released by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

• Total horticultural production for 2023-24 is estimated at 352.23 million tonnes.

• This represents a decrease of 32.51 lakh tonnes (0.91%) from the previous year 2022-23.

• The categories of crops included in the horticultural sector are Fruits, Honey, Flowers, Plantation Crops, Spices, Aromatics & Medicinal Plants, and Vegetables.

Production Trends for Specific Horticultural Crops

• Increase in production observed in:

• Fruits such as Banana, Lime/Lemon, Mango, Guava, and Grapes.

• Vegetables including Bottlegourd, Bittergourd, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Carrot, and Tomato.

• Other categories like Honey, Flowers, Plantation Crops, Spices, Aromatics & Medicinal Plants.

• Decrease in production noted in:

• Vegetables such as Onion, Potato, Brinjal, and Other Vegetables.

• Specific Crop Production Estimates:

• Onion: Projected decrease in production by about 60 lakh tonnes from the previous year’s 302.08 lakh tonnes.

• Potato: Expected reduction in production by about 34 lakh tonnes, mainly due to decreased production in Bihar and West Bengal.

• Tomato: Anticipated increase in production by 3.98% from the previous year’s 204.25 lakh tonnes.

Horticulture Sector in India

• India is the 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables.

• The Indian horticulture sector contributes about 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA) making a very significant contribution to the Indian economy.

• In terms of export, India is ranked 14th in vegetables and 23rd in fruits, and its share in the global horticultural market is a mere 1%.

• Around 15-20% of the fruits and vegetables in India are wasted along the supply chain or at consumer level, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).