India’s horticulture sector, which includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices, plays a crucial role in the country’s agricultural landscape. Boosting this sector is essential for enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ incomes, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. With its diverse climate and vast agricultural resources, India has the potential to become a global leader in horticulture. By investing in modern techniques, improving supply chains, and providing better support to farmers, the horticulture sector can significantly contribute to India’s economic growth and ensure a more nutritious diet for its population.
Tags: GS- 3, Economy- Cropping Patterns– Agricultural Marketing– Agricultural Pricing– Agricultural Resources
For Prelims: Horticulture farming, Horticulture, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Green Revolution, National Horticulture Mission, India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA), Horticulture Cluster Development Programme,
For Mains: Horticulture and its contribution in the economy.
Context:
- Recently, the Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), with an outlay of Rs 1,766 crore, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
What is Horticulture Farming?
- About:
- Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that focuses on the intensive cultivation of plants that are directly consumed or utilised by humans for food, medicinal purposes, and aesthetic appeal.
- It involves the growing, production, and sale of vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, and ornamental or exotic plants.
- Etymology:
- The word “Horticulture” comes from the Latin terms hortus meaning garden, and cultūra meaning cultivation.
- Key Figures:
- L.H. Bailey: Recognized as the Father of American Horticulture.
- M.H. Marigowda: Known as the Father of Indian Horticulture.
- Classification:
- Pomology: Specialises in the cultivation, harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing of fruit and nut crops.
- Olericulture: Focuses on the production and commercial distribution of vegetables.
- Arboriculture: Involves the study, selection, care, and maintenance of individual trees, shrubs, and other perennial woody plants.
- Ornamental Horticulture:
- Floriculture: Concentrates on the cultivation, utilisation, and marketing of flowers and ornamental plants.
- Landscape Horticulture: Involves the cultivation and distribution of plants used to enhance and beautify outdoor spaces and environments.
State of the Horticulture Sector in India:
- Global Standing:
- India ranks as the 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally.
- Economic Contribution:
- The horticulture sector in India contributes approximately 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA), playing a vital role in the country’s economy.
- Production Volume:
- India’s horticulture production in 2023-24 is estimated to be 352.23 million tonnes, which is a 0.91% decrease from 2022-23.
- Crop Productivity:
- Fruits: 112.63 million tonnes, with increases in banana, lime/lemon, mango, guava, and grapes
- Vegetables: 204.96 million tonnes
- Tomatoes: 208.19 lakh tonnes, which is a 1.93% increase from 2022-23.
- Growth in Productivity:
- Horticulture crop productivity has seen an increase of about 40.5% between 2004-05 and 2023-24.
- Leadership in Specific Crops:
- According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), India is the leading producer of certain vegetables like ginger and okra, and fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and papayas.
- Export Ranking:
- In terms of exports, India is ranked 14th in vegetables and 23rd in fruits, with a share of only 1% in the global horticultural market.
- Post-Harvest Losses:
- Approximately 15-20% of fruits and vegetables in India are wasted along the supply chain or at the consumer level, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
What are the challenges faced by the Horticulture Sector in India?
- Climate Change Vulnerability:
- Erratic Weather Patterns: Shifts in temperature and rainfall, along with unpredictable weather events, significantly impact horticultural crops, leading to reduced yields and crop losses.
- Extreme Events: The rising frequency and severity of droughts, floods, and cyclones disrupt production and diminish crop quality.
- Water Management Issues:
- Water Scarcity: Limited access to irrigation and inefficient water management practices hinder crop growth, particularly in water-stressed areas.
- Overexploitation of Water Resources: Unsustainable groundwater extraction and poor irrigation methods deplete water resources, worsening scarcity issues.
- Pests and Diseases:
- Pesticide Resistance: The growing resistance of pests and diseases to conventional pesticides demands the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
- Invasive Species: The introduction and spread of invasive pests and diseases, such as desert locusts, threaten horticultural crops, requiring careful monitoring and management.
- Post-Harvest Losses and Infrastructure Constraints:
- Inadequate Storage Facilities: The lack of proper storage infrastructure leads to significant post-harvest losses, reducing the shelf life and market value of horticultural produce.
- Cold Chain and Transportation Challenges: Insufficient cold chain facilities and inadequate transportation networks contribute to the spoilage and wastage of perishable horticultural commodities.
What are the Government Initiatives to Improve Horticulture?
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):
- About:
- The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2014-15, aiming for the comprehensive growth of the horticulture sector.
- It encompasses a wide range of horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, and cocoa.
- MIDH also extends technical guidance and administrative assistance to State Governments and State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) for implementing the Saffron Mission .
- Other horticulture-related initiatives under schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
- Objectives:
- Enhancing Production and Productivity: Focuses on improving the yield and quality of horticultural crops through superior planting materials, efficient resource management, and the adoption of modern technologies.
- Post-Harvest Management: Aims to minimise post-harvest losses by developing infrastructure for storage, processing, and marketing, thereby ensuring better returns for farmers.
- Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encourages the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly horticultural practices, including organic farming and integrated pest management.
- Capacity Building: Provides training and technical support to farmers, enabling them to adopt modern horticultural practices and enhance their income.
- Market Access: Seeks to strengthen the supply chain to ensure better market access for farmers, both domestically and internationally.
- Key Components:
- National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Focuses on the development of horticulture across states and union territories.
- Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH): Addresses the specific needs of the northeastern and Himalayan regions.
- National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Promotes bamboo cultivation and its associated value chain.
- Coconut Development Board (CDB): Dedicated to the development of the coconut sector.
- Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH): Established in Medziphema, Nagaland, in 2006-07, this institute provides technical support through capacity building and training for farmers and field functionaries in the North Eastern Region.
Clean Plant Programme to Boost Horticulture Sector:
- Clean Plant Programme (CPP) Overview:
- The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Modi, approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with an outlay of Rs 1,766 crore, aiming to revolutionise India’s horticulture sector.
- Proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the CPP was earlier announced during the Budget speech in February 2023.
- The programme targets the enhancement of fruit crop quality and productivity across the nation by addressing virus infections that impact both productivity and quality.
- The National Horticulture Board, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is responsible for implementing the programme.
- Key Components of the Programme:
- Establishment of nine world-class Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) across India, equipped with advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and tissue culture labs.
- Implementation of a robust certification system under the Seeds Act 1966.
- Other Features of the Programme:
- The CPP provides infrastructure support to large-scale nurseries for the efficient multiplication of clean planting material.
- It prioritises affordable access to clean plant material for all farmers, irrespective of their landholding size or socioeconomic status.
- The programme actively engages women farmers in its planning and implementation.
- Benefits:
- The CPP is expected to benefit farmers, nurseries, consumers, and boost exports by providing access to virus-free, high-quality planting material, leading to increased crop yields and improved income opportunities.
- Over the past decade, horticultural exports have increased to over Rs 50,000 crore.
- The initiative aligns with Mission LiFE and the One Health initiatives, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices while reducing reliance on imported planting materials.
Conclusion
To achieve demand-driven production, higher productivity, effective credit and risk management, and better market connections, strengthening partnerships among farmers, government, consumers, industry, and academia is crucial. India’s journey to becoming a global leader in fruits and vegetables will rely on collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to improving income and livelihoods for small-scale farmers.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains:
Q.1 Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (2018)
Q.2 What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (2021)
Q.3 Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)
Source: IE
FAQs
Q: What is the horticulture sector in India?
Answer: The horticulture sector in India involves the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and other plants. It plays a crucial role in agriculture, contributing to food security, nutrition, and the economy.
Q: Why is it important to boost the horticulture sector in India?
Answer: Boosting the horticulture sector is important because it can increase farmers’ incomes, improve nutrition by providing a variety of healthy foods, and create jobs in rural areas. A strong horticulture sector also helps in reducing import dependency and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Q: What challenges does the horticulture sector in India face?
Answer: The sector faces challenges like limited access to quality seeds and planting material, inadequate cold storage facilities, lack of advanced technology, and issues with market access. These challenges can lead to post-harvest losses and lower profits for farmers.
Q: How can the horticulture sector in India be improved?
Answer: The sector can be improved by providing better access to high-quality seeds, investing in cold storage and supply chain infrastructure, promoting advanced farming techniques, and improving market access for farmers. Government support through subsidies and training programs can also play a vital role.
Q: What are the benefits of boosting the horticulture sector in India?
Answer: Boosting the horticulture sector can lead to higher agricultural productivity, better livelihoods for farmers, improved food security, and a stronger economy. It can also contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting diverse and resilient cropping systems.
To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604
- Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
- Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
- Learn CSAT – CSAT for UPSC
- Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
- For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
