India reports 4% rise in 2024-25 horticulture output

India’s horticulture production for 2024-25 is estimated at 369.05 million tons, an increase of 4 per cent or 14.31 million tons from the previous year’s 354.74 million tons, according to the third advance estimates released by the Agriculture Ministry. The area under horticulture crops is projected at 29.488 million hectares, up from 29.08 million hectares the year before, FreshPlaza notes.

Fruit production is expected to rise by 5.12 per cent to 118.76 million tons. The Ministry notes contributions from banana, mango, watermelon, jackfruit, mandarin, papaya, and guava. Vegetable output is estimated to reach 215.68 million tons, an increase of 4.09 per cent, driven by higher onion and potato production.

Onion production is forecast at 30.78 million tons, up from 24.26 million tons last year. Potato production is expected to reach 58.108 million tons, a 1.85 per cent rise. Tomato output is projected at 19.468 million tons.

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Spice production is projected at 12.50 million tons, a slight increase from 12.484 million tons, with garlic, ginger, and turmeric contributing to the rise.

Releasing the estimates, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh said that this growth is the result of farmers’ efforts, inputs from agricultural scientists, and the impact of schemes and policies implemented by the Central government. “These include better seeds, the use of modern technologies, and easier access to markets,” he said. Singh also stated that “significant progress has been recorded in the production of fruits and vegetables.”

He added that the government is introducing technologies aimed at improving productivity and income. “With the spread of modern techniques in horticulture, improved seed production and better market management, India is progressing towards becoming a global leader in agriculture,” he said.