India's Horticulture Sector: Major Crops and Government Schemes

The horticulture sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of Indian agriculture. It includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops, medicinal plants, and aromatic crops . India is among the world's largest producers of fruits and vegetables, contributing significantly to nutrition, employment, exports, and farmers' income.

Major horticultural crops include mango, banana, apple, grapes, oranges, guava, potato, onion, tomato, chilli, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, tea, coffee, coconut, and cashew . States such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are major horticulture-producing regions.

The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote horticulture through improved planting material, irrigation, infrastructure, cold storage, and market linkages.

Important Government Schemes

  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
  • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
  • Operation Greens
  • National Horticulture Board (NHB)
  • e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

UPSC Prelims Facts

  • India is one of the world's leading producers of fruits and vegetables.
  • Horticulture contributes significantly to agricultural GDP.
  • MIDH is the flagship scheme for horticulture development.

Mains Relevance

GS Paper III – Agriculture, Food Processing, Rural Economy, and Farmer Welfare.