India, being the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, has immense potential to become a horticulture powerhouse. The country’s diverse climatic zones and agricultural capabilities position it uniquely to enhance horticultural production and improve access to nutritious food.
Currently, India accounts for only 2% of global horticulture trade. Despite its production capabilities, the sector faces challenges such as quality inconsistency, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles, which limit its global competitiveness.
Programmes
1. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): FPOs like Purandar Highlands and Sahyadri Farms enhance operational efficiencies, promote best practices, and connect farmers with international markets. 2. Precision Farming and Sustainable Practices: Extension services, integrated pest management, and sustainable farming techniques help boost yields and maintain quality. 3. Regulatory Frameworks and Agri-tech: Compliance with international standards and adoption of advanced technologies like IoT and precision agriculture are crucial for enhancing productivity. 4. Integrated Logistics and Cold Chains: Robust cold chains and efficient logistics ensure the safety and quality of produce during transportation. 5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Programs like the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) for horticulture leverage the strengths of both government and private enterprises.
Goals
The primary goals are to increase the global market share, ensure the prosperity of farmers, and promote sustainable and equitable growth in the horticulture sector. This includes improving produce quality, enhancing infrastructure, and achieving compliance with international standards.
Five Steps to Turnaround
1. Strengthen FPOs: Empower FPOs to enable economies of scale, promote best practices, and connect farmers with international markets. 2. Enhance Quality and Consistency: Improve extension services, adopt precision farming, and strengthen post-harvest infrastructure to meet international standards. 3. Implement Robust Regulatory Frameworks and Agri-tech: Ensure compliance with international standards and support the adoption of advanced technologies. 4. Develop Integrated Logistics and Cold Chain Systems: Establish effective cold chains and integrate them with real-time market data to maintain produce quality. 5. Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage PPPs to provide affordable insurance, develop specialised clusters, and support farmers in quality improvement and export compliance.
By focusing on these strategic steps, India can harness its horticulture potential, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and achieve sustainable growth in the sector.
SRIRAM’s
Share:
Get a call back
Fill the below form to get free counselling for UPSC Civil Services exam preparation