Vol.
4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
Importance of Horticulture in India and Its Impact in
Agriculture
Harsha S. Kumbhalkar1
Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Tondapur
(Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani) Tal. Kalamnuri Dist. Hingoli.
431701 (M.S.)
ARTICLE ID: 28
Introduction:
India is the first largest country in population in Asian Continent. Agriculture is the
main occupation since ancient times in Indian Economy. Agriculture related sectors play
crucial role. Horticulture is an important sub sector in Agriculture, which is rapidly growing
and gaining significance in our economy and agriculture as well. Horticulture influences
consumption habit and attitude of consumers. Horticulture is most lucrative among all other
farming sectors in India. India with its diverse soil and climate comprising several agro-
ecological regions, provides an opportunity to grow a variety of horticultural crops. These crops
form a significant part of total agriculture produce in the country comprised of fruits,
vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, medicinal and aromatics crops, plantation crops, spices and
condiments in a backyard garden to raising crops in large-scale operations. Horticulture
involves the study of plants, their growth and development and how they interact with the
environment. Horticulture is a unique field of study, as it combines elements of botany,
agronomy, soil science and other aspects of plant biology. The main aim of this article
regarding horticulture is to enhance the production of high-quality, nutrition and aesthetic
pleasing plants, fruits and vegetables and play a unique role in India’s economy by improving
the income of rural people. Cultivation of these crops in an intensive labour which generated
employment opportunities for the rural population.
The scope of Horticulture in India:
In India area under horticultural crops touched 25.66 million hectares. With regard to
fruits, India is second largest producer of fruits after China. A large variety of fruit crops are
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grown in India. Of these, mango, banana, citrus, papaya, guava, pineapple, sapota, jackfruit,
litchi, grape, apple, pear, peach, plum, walnut etc. are the important one. India accounts for 10
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per cent of the total world production of fruits. The leading fruit growing states are
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In regards to vegetables
belonging to solanaceous, cucurbitaceous, leguminous, cruciferous, root crops and leafy
vegetables are grown in Indian tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions. Most of the
important vegetable grown in India are onion, tomato, potato, brinjal, peas, beans, okra, chilli,
cabbage, cauliflower, bottle gourd, cucumber, watermelon, carrot, radish etc. In India, West
Bengal, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka are the important states for
horticultural crop production. Flowers are indispensable part of the Indian festivals. It is
important/integral part of socio-cultural and religious life of Indian people. India is known for
growing traditional flowers such as jasmine, marigold, chrysanthemum, tuberose, crossandra,
aster, etc. Commercial cultivation of cut flowers like rose, orchids, gladiolus, carnation,
anthurium, gerbera, is also being done. The important flower growing states Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir,
Meghalaya, etc. The importance of plantation crops in immense in terms earning foreign
exchange. The major plantation crops include coconut, arecanut, oil palm, cashew, tea, coffee,
rubber, cocoa, betel vine, vanilla etc. The leading states are Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Andra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Assam etc. Since from the ancient times, the world
fascinated about Indian spices. It used for flavouring, seasoning and imparting aroma in foods.
India is also known as home of spices producing a wide variety of spices like black pepper,
cardamom, ginger, turmeric, chilli, coriander, etc. Major spices producing states are Kerala,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Orissa, Tamil Nadu etc. In
regards to medicinal plants have proved to be life saver since from the inception of Ayurveda.
India has diverse collection of medicinal and aromatic plants species distributed throughout the
country. It has more than 9,500 species with medicinal properties. Important medicinal plants
are Isabgol, Senna, Opium poppy, Periwinkle, Coleus, Ashwagandha, etc. and aromatic plants
are Japanese mint, Lemon grass, Citronella, Davana, Patchouli etc. Horticulture practices also
include landscaping which is the design and construction of gardens, parks and other outdoor
spaces. Landscaping includes such activities as planting and pruning trees, shrubs and other
vegetation. Landscaping can also involve the installation of irrigation systems, lighting and
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other amenities.
The importance of horticulture in India:
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
1. Horticulture crops contributes to the national income : It contribute to increase
national income. It also increases foreign exchange earning achieved through the export
of produce.
2. High production per unit area: A horticulture crops give very high production per
unit area as compared to cereals and pulses crops. In horticulture crops inter-crops are
also taken during initial years of cultivation.
3. Fruit and vegetables are “protective foods”: In vegetable crops, some of the
vegetables are annual crops. Some vegetables give yield within month of
planting/sowing, while crops like coconut give income throughout the year.
4. Best utilization of undulating and barren land: The horticulture fruit crops such as
Cashewnut, Aonla, Ber, Mango, Tamarind, Jamun, Karonda can be grown on
undulating, barren/ wastelands where agronomic crops cannot be grown on such on
such land.
5. Utilization of dry land areas for fruit crops like ber, custard Apple, drumstick, aonla,
jamun, etc., can be utilized under low water availability.
6. Industrial use: The Horticulture crops are used in various industries such as coconut
in coir and toys industries, aonla, turmeric, alovera, clove in Medicinal industries
turmeric, alovera in cosmetics industries, flower like jasmine, rose in perfumery
industry and kokum juice, ginger, turmeric, mango pulp, aonla candy in preservation
industries.
7. Saving money: Horticulture crops are cultivated in kitchen garden. Thus, one can get
a fresh supply of vegetables and save a considerable amount of money, besides being a
source of creation and recreation.
8. Sustainable horticulture: Horticulture is crucial sustainable agriculture offering
solutions to environmental, economic and nutritional challenges. By prioritising
horticultural practices, countries can conserve natural resources, reducing waste,
stimulate economic growth and enhance food security.
9. Horticultural crops, especially the fruit crop reduce environment pollution and reduce
soil erosion and help in increasing precipitation.
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10. Fodder to cattle: During famine, leaves of some of some of the crops such as
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Tamarind, Aonla, Ber, etc. are used as fodder.
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
11. Horticultural crops and Human Nutrition: Fruits and vegetables are the cheapest
source of natural nutritive foods. They provide palatability, taste, improve appetite and
provide fiber thereby the constipation can be overcome. They improve the general
immunity of human body against disease, deficiencies, etc. They are the important
source of vitamins and minerals for used of several bio- chemical reactions occur in
body.
12. Government support for horticulture: The government of India has implemented
various policies and programs to promote the growth and development of the
horticulture sector, including the National Horticulture Mission and the Horticulture
Development Programs.
Common Problems horticulture sector in India:
The horticulture sector in India is suffering a lot due to some natural, manmade,
technical and economic reasons. Following are the some selected reasons behind the crippling
growth and proven to obstruct the growth of horticulture sector in India.
1. Inadequate availability of disease-free, high-quality planting material
2. Slow dissemination and adaptability of improve high yielding cultivars/ hybrids.
3. Lack of post-harvest management technology and infrastructure
4. Weak database and poor market intelligence.
5. Instability of prices, with no support price mechanism.
6. Inadequate technical manpower / human resource in farming system.
7. Poor credit supply, high rate of interest coupled with inadequate crop insurance scheme.
8. Poor linkage between Research and Development sectors, industries and farming
communities.
9. Late implementation of government policies and schemes.
10. Absence of horticultural crop suitability map of India based on agro climatic conditions
depicting most suitable areas for optimum productivity of a particular crop.
Crops Specific Problems:
1. Fruit crops: i) Long gestation period. ii) Predominance of senile orchards (e.g. apple
and mango) iii) Lack of technology to manage problems like spongy tissue, alternate
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bearing and malformation in mango, wilt in guava, decline in citrus, etc. iv) Location
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specific technologies are not available.
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
2. Vegetables crops: i) High cost of production due to labour intensive technologies. ii)
Exorbitant charges of hybrid seeds. iii) Risk intensive production system. iv) Lack of
low cost environmental controlled green houses for high quality production. v) Supply
and demand profile frequently changing with season, year and kind of vegetable.
3. Potato: i) Lack of varieties for diverse processing problems. ii) Low seed multiplication
rate (5-10 times) from breeders’ seed to certified seed. iii) Rapid deterioration of
varieties due to viral complexes. iv)Lack of awareness of TPS technology. v) Lack of
required cold storage space and non availability of low cost short term storage structure.
4. Mushroom: i) Available technology not cost effective. ii) Lack of design of low cost
mushrooms houses. iii) Inadequate availability of quality spawns of different strains.
5. Tuber crops: i) Slow multiplication rate. ii) Poor management practices for pests like
sweet potato weevil and disease like cassava mosaic.
6. Floriculture: i) Lack of indigenous production techniques. ii) F1 hybrids not fully
exploited. iii) Narrow product range. iv) High rate of tariff imposed by importing
countries.
7. Medicinal and Aromatics Plants: i) Trade of medicinal and aromatics plants is very
secretive due to absence of any regulatory mechanism. ii) Very less number of plants
under cultivation.
8. Spices: i) Lack of variability for host resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. ii) Severe
crop losses caused due to disease and pests. iii) Vagaries of monsoon affect crop
growth, productivity and sustainability.
9. Coconut: i) Large area of old and senile plantation and most of these plantation under
rainfed condition. ii) Rainfed cropping nature. iii) Prevalence of disease and pest like
root-wilt, ganoderma wilt, tatipaka diseases and eriophyide and red palm weevil severe
threats to industry. iv)Farm level processing is inadequate.
10. Arecanut: i) Incidence of diseases like yellow leaf diseases. ii) Lack of irrigation
facilities.
11. Oilpalm: i) Poor water management in the palm orchards.
12. Cocoa: i) Large areas of old and senile plantations. ii) Lack of high yielding clones. iii)
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Black pod rot in cocoa continues to be problems in production front. iv)Farm level
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processing is inadequate.
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
13. Cashew: i) Increasing level of senility of the existing plantation. ii) Poor management
of pests like tea mosquito bug and stem borer. iii) Farm level processing is inadequate.
14. Tea: i) Old age of tea bushes. ii) Slower pace of replantation- the rate of replanting is
less than 0.4% as against the desired level of 2.0%. iii) Poor drainage and lack of
irrigation when needed greatly reduces the yield. iv) Stagnation in productivity level
compounded by high land labour ratio. v) Higher rate of taxation in the income from
tea. vi) Stiff competition from the soft drinks.
15. Coffee: i) Presence of large number of tiny growers with less than two hectare. ii)
Existence of old moribund plant material due to recluctance of replant with new
varieties.
Improvement programms :
The following thrusts and strategies are proposed to achieve the goals and diminish extent of
the above problems regarding horticulture sector.
1. Improving production.
2. Improving productivity.
3. Reducing cost of production.
4. Improving quality of products for exports.
5. Value addition.
6. Marketing and Export.
7. Price stabilization.
8. Strengthening of organizational support.
9. Human Resource Development and
10. Addressing relevant policy issues.
Current Scenario:
Horticulture, over the past few years, has made remarkable progress in terms of
expansion in area under different crops, increase in productivity, crop diversification,
techological interventions for production and post harvest and forward linkage through value
addition and marketing. A significant increase in area has been achieved in vegetables and
flowers. Unprecedented growth has been achieved in off- season vegetable production and
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floriculture, making these sectors evolves as upcoming. Opportunities. Concept of greenhouse
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has become extremely popular. There has been a tremendous success in large scale of tomato
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
in open field as well as under protected condition. Critical areas like pest and disease
management have been given principal focus with intensification of efforts on containing
decline problems especially in orange and large cardamom. Massive rejuvenation programmed
in orange and re-plantation in large cardamom has brought back some ray of hope in the
direction of revival of these crops. A number of nurseries have been established for producing
healthy and quality planting materials of orange and large cardamom. The tissue culture
laboratories, in private sector, have been able to supplement the requirement of quality planting
materials. Infrastructure development to augment marketing and post harvest management are
being accorded top priority. Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture,
sponsored by the Governmemt of India has played the most vital role in integrating all ongoing
initiatives. The main success factors for successful programmed implementation are use of high
quality planting materials, adoption of clusters and constant monitoring. After the Green
Revolution in mid-sixties, it became clear that horticulture, for which the Indian topography
and agro climate are well suited, is the best option. India has emerged as the largest producer
of mango, banana and cashew and second largest producer of fruits & vegetables in the world.
The most significant development that happened in the last decade is that horticulture has
moved from rural confines to commercial production and this changing scenario has
encouraged private sector investment in production system management. The last decade has
seen technological infusion like micro-irrigation, precision farming, greenhouse cultivation,
and improved post harvest management impacting the development, but during the process
various issues have emerged. India has a wide variety of climate and soils on which a large
number of horticulture crops such as fruits, Vegetables, potato, tropical tuber crops,
mushrooms, ornamentals, medicinal and aromatic plants, plantation crops, spices, cashew,
cocoa and betel vine are grown. After the Green Revolution in the sixties, it however, became
clear that horticulture, for which the Indian topography and agro-climate are well suited, was
an ideal method of achieving sustainability of small holdings. However, the need for
diversification was acknowledged by Government of India only in mid-eighties to make
agriculture more profitable, through efficient land use; create skilful employment for rural
masses and women and optimize the utilization of natural resources (soil, water and
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environment). Past efforts have been rewarding in terms of increased production and
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productivity of horticulture crops. India has emerged as the largest producer of coconut,
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
arecanut, cashew, tea and the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. The
changing scenario encourages private investment. As a result horticulture has moved from rural
confines to commercial ventures attracting youth since it has proved to be intellectually
satisfying and economically rewarding. At national level horticulture sector has emerged as a
potential player in the Indian economy contributing 30% to GDP in agriculture from more than
13.08% area under horticultural crops as well as a means of diversification in overall
development of agriculture. Horticulture invariably improves the economic status of our
farmers. The earlier seasonal availability of fruits and vegetables has now extended to all the
year round, increasing the per capital consumption of fruits and vegetables. It has also played
a significant role in women empowerment, providing employment opportunities through
mushroom cultivation, floriculture, processing, nursery raising, vegetable seed production etc.
The national goal of achieving 4% growth in agriculture can be achieved through the major
contribution in growth from horticulture. Constraints in horticulture production: In spite of the
fact that India is blessed with a wide range of soil and emetic conditions for growing large
number of horticultural crops, a reasonable budgetary allocation, a sound network of R & D
system, a large number of high yeilding varieties / hybrids and proven technologies, there are
still several constraints which adversely affect development of a sound horticulture industry.
Major common constraints are given below in respect of various sectors of horticulture.
1. Lack of planning in Production.
2. Non-availability of seeds of improved varieties.
3. High cost of basic production elements
4. Inadequate plant protection.
5. Measures and non- availability of resistant varieties.
6. Weak marketing facilities
7. Transportation limits
8. Post harvest losses
9. A biotic stress.
Schemes under Government Initiatives
The government has launched a number of programmes for increasing production of
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agricultural commodities. Many new initiatives have been taken to widen the food basket
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keeping in view the demand and nutritional requirements of the population.
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
Micro irrigation Scheme:
Micro Irrigation Scheme is implemented with the objective of better utilization of
available water. During 2011-12, an amount of Rs. 124.43 Crores subsidy has been given to
the beneficiaries for the installation of Drip Irrigation in area of 43,783 hectares. At present,
75% subsidy is given to encourage installation of drip irrigation in horticulture crop in all the
districts of the state.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana:
Under Centrally sponsored Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, programmes are being
implemented to reorient agriculture development strategies for rejuvenation of agriculture and
to meet the need/ demands of farmers. Following programmes are being taken up under
scheme.
India and World Horticulture production
During 2010-11, its contribution in the world production of fruits and vegetables was
12% and 14% respectively. Total production of fruits during last year was 599 million tonnes
while that of vegetable was 10-12 million tonnes. India is the largest producer, consumer and
exporter of spices. India is also the largest producer of mango, banana, papaya, coconut,
arecanut and cashew nut in the world. India’s significant horticulture production is despite its
comparatively lower productivity. Both in case of fruits and vegetables productivity of India
(11.7 and 17.3 tonnes per hectare respectively) is about hall of the productivity of USA
(22.2and 31.4 tonnes per hectare). During 2010-11, its productivity was closer to world average
for both fruits (10.9) & vegetables (18.8 tonnes per hectare). Compared to the leading producer
of fruits and vegetables India lags behind in productivity in case of vegetables, whereas it leads
in case of fruits. Infact productivity of India is amongst the highest in case of some fruits like
grapes, banana, papaya etc.
Trends in Horticulture Production and Present Status :
During the last decade, area involved in production of horticultural crops has increased
by 32% from 16592 (in 2001-02) to 21825 (in 2009-10) thousand hectares whereas the
production increased by 65% from 145785 to 240532 thousand tonnes. Increase in production
is more than twice of increase in area. This is indicative of improved productivity, which still
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has considerable scope of improvement.
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Organic Farming
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
There is a need to promote organic farming in production of different horticultural
commodities with the objective of promoting exports and improve returns. There is, therefore,
an urgent need to develop technology for organic farming and create awareness on the benefits
it benefits it provides. This calls for standardization of technologies for producing vermi-
compost, biofertillizer, mycorrhizae and bio pesticides for different crops. There is also need
to develop guidelines for this purpose and this purpose and designate agency/agencies for
accreditation of such produce meeting international requirement.
Post Harvest Research
Since, fruits and vegetables are highly perishable, efficient Post Harvest Management
has become an absolute necessity. It is also important for effective exploitation of the export
potential of fruits and vegetables. Joint effort of R&D institution, farmers, government agencies
and traders has resulted in India emerging as a major producer of fruits and vegetables in the
world. But the magnitude of loss in food grains is to the tune of 10% whereas for fruits and
vegetables losses are estimated at 35-40% due to improper Post Harvest Management (PHM)
(XI Planning Commission).So, there is need to have a strong post harvest infrastructure for
post harvest management of these perishables. Post harvest technology (PHT) is inter-
disciplinary “Science and Technique” applied to agricultural produce after harvest for its
protection, conservation, processing, packaging, distribution, marketing and utilization to meet
the food and nutritional requirements of the people in relation to their needs. Use of appropriate
PHT reduces the post harvest and storage losses; adds value to the product, generates
employment in the village and re- establishes agro- industries in rural sector. During 2011-12
(Up to October, 2011), an area of 1.43 lakh ha has been covered under area expansion of new
garderns besides setting up of 29 nurseries. Under the component of rejuvenation of old and
senile orchards, an area of 0.46 lakh ha, 0.56 lakh ha. Under promotion of IPM, 4950 ha. Under
adoption of organic farming has been covered. 11 IPM infrastructure unit have been set up and
1.94 vermi- compost units established. 1513 community water harvesting structures have been
created. 7848 colonies with hives have been distributed. Under the component of integrated
Post Harvest Management, 1017 units have been established which include 503 pack houses,
59 cold storage units, 380 low cost onion storage, 8 refrigerated vans, 17 ripening chambers
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and 46 Primary/Mobile Processing units. Under Market/ April Mandis and 1 functional
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infrastructure for collection, sorting, grading, etc. have been set up.
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Vol. 4 Issue- 8, April 2024 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)
Conclusion:
Horticulture, which offers employment and advancement opportunities at all
educational levels, finds itself in a time of transformation. Horticulturists apply their
knowledge, skills, and technologies used to grow intensively produced plants for human food
and non-food uses and for personal or social needs. Their work involves plant propagation and
cultivation with the aim of improving plant growth, yields, quality, nutritional value and
resistance to insects, diseases and environmental stresses. They work as gardeners, growers,
therapists, designers and technical advisors in the food and non-food sectors of horticulture.
Today, Increasing production in horticulture through area expansion is gradually making way
for concern like enhanced productivity, eco-friendly production, safe and nutritionally rich
produce, volume for processing, value - addition and value chain management, international
competitiveness, intellectual property issues, sustaining production under changing climate
etc…Despite several challenges and constraints, there are also successes in various sectors of
horticulture.
Referances:
Anonymous 2023, National Horticulture Board, http://nhb.gov.in
Choudhary S. K. 2021. Horticulture development in India: Forward way ahead. International
education & Research Journal (IERJ) E-ISSN NO: 2454-9916 Vol (7) I(5)
Singh A. K., A. K. Chaurasiya, S. Mitra 2015. Role of horticulture in agriculture development
and food security in India
Thapai A., G. Prathap 2020. Production and productivity of horticulture crops in India and
Andhra Pradesh. Indian journal of research ISSN NO: 2250-1991 VOL (9) I (11)
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