HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION

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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

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.