On the Scope of the Horticulture Sector in India – Next step for farmers

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The article discusses the growing opportunities in the horticultural sector, especially F&V sector in India. It also highlights the steps that should be taken to improve it.

What are the growing opportunities in the horticultural sector, especially F&V?

1. Scope of Agri Exports: There is a huge opportunity in horticultural exports.
2. Changes in Dietary Habits: The focus of the Indian diet is shifting from mere calorie security to a nutrition-secure mindset, leading to an increase in per capita consumption of F&V.
3. Technological Advancements: Digital and technology advancements and increased focus on bio-based and sustainable solutions can solve the challenges of horticulture value chains.
4. Higher Incomes: Horticulture farming promises higher incomes and offers a steady income stream throughout the year, unlike traditional subsistence farming.
5. Agri-Inputs Sector: Increase in horticulture production will also unlock immense potential for the agri-inputs sector that comprises seeds, agrochemicals, and fertilisers.

What steps should be taken to improve horticultural production in India?

The issues of higher productivity, better price realization, and the affordability and accessibility of agri-inputs are crucial. This can be achieved by:

1. Focusing on value-added, export-led businesses.
2. Integrated value-chain approach from sourcing to processing.
3. Supply of key agri-inputs to the farmer can help improve yield.
4. Innovation in Seeds: Agronomic and genetic seed innovations, including high-quality hybrids, can enhance shelf life and improve access to quality F&V produce. High quality seeds can help extend the geographical footprint for cultivation.
5. 0 Hectare Model of Integrated Farming: This cluster-based, whole-farm approach includes multiple interventions such as solar-powered farming equipment, water conservation practices, diversified cropping integrated with livestock, vermicompost, etc., soil health replenishment with natural bio-based agri-inputs, village cluster creation for produce aggregation and exports.

It holds the potential to address the challenges of droughts and erratic weather patterns.

6. Specific Approaches for Diverse Agro-Climatic Zones: A tailored approach to F&V agri-inputs is needed for India’s diverse agro-climatic zones.
7. Multi-stakeholder Partnerships: Partnerships among farmers, government, customers, industry, and academia/research need to be strengthened to achieve demand-backed production, high productivity, robust credit and risk management, and market linkages.