AgroSpectrum - June 2023

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India Bolsters Horticulture Sector to Boost Export
The horticulture sector, which contributes approximately 33 per cent of the gross value of agricultural GDP, is emerging as a key driver of economic growth and transitioning into an organised industry encompassing seed trading, value addition, and exports. India holds the second position globally in fruits and vegetable
production, following China, as per data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The export growth is hindered by challenges such as inadequate adherence to international quality standards, marketing diffi culties, inadequate transportation infrastructure, fragmented supply chains, and insuffi cient storage facilities. To address these challenges, the government has allocated Rs 2,200 crore in the Union Budget of 2023 for
the development of the horticulture sector. This provision aims to promote the availability of disease-free, high-quality planting material for valuable horticultural crops. Additionally, the government has permitted five private fi rms to undertake cluster farming of specifi c horticulture crops on a pilot basis in approximately
50,000 hectares with an investment of Rs 750 crore. The government is progressively adopting a cluster value-chain-based approach to position Indian horticulture as a leader in the global market. The utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in providing end-to-end solutions for growers and buyers, the establishment of more horticulture clusters, fi nancial support from the government and private sector, and improved infrastructure for storage and logistics will contribute to making the horticulture supply chain more robust.