Subject: Economy

India's horticulture sector has witnessed remarkable growth through the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), transforming from a subsistence-focused activity to a commercial enterprise. The mission's implementation since 2005-06 has led to significant improvements in production, productivity, and farmer incomes through integrated development approaches.

Role of NHM in Boosting Horticulture Sector

Production Enhancement

• Implementation of area expansion programs and modern farming techniques has increased fruit production from 43.5 million tonnes in 2004-05 to 107.7 million tonnes in 2021-22.
• The overall horticulture production reached 312 million tonnes in 2020-21, marking a significant 4.6% growth from the previous year.
• Introduction of high-yielding varieties and protected cultivation has improved crop quality and quantity.

Productivity Improvement

• Focus on technology dissemination and capacity building of farmers through training programs.
• Promotion of micro-irrigation systems and precision farming techniques for optimal resource utilization.
• Integration of post-harvest management practices to reduce losses and improve market value.

Income Enhancement Measures

• Creation of market linkages and cold chain infrastructure to ensure better price realization.
• Support for farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to eliminate intermediaries and improve bargaining power.
• Provision of credit facilities and subsidies for adopting modern technologies.

Success Analysis

Achievements

• Transformation of India into the second-largest producer of horticulture crops globally.
• Significant increase in area under horticulture cultivation and crop diversification.
• Enhanced export potential of horticultural products.

Challenges

• Limited reach in some regions due to implementation gaps.
• Inadequate post-harvest infrastructure in many areas.
• Climate change impacts affecting crop productivity.

The National Horticulture Mission has been instrumental in revolutionizing India's horticulture sector through its holistic approach. The success is evident in the significant increase in production from 43.5 to 107.7 million tonnes in fruits alone, demonstrating the mission's effectiveness in achieving its objectives of enhancing farmer prosperity through sustainable horticulture development.