India is a significant producer of horticultural crops, yet its share in the global market remains modest, accounting for only about 2% of international trade in fruits and vegetables

What is Horticulture?

• Horticulture can be defined as the branch of agriculture concerned with intensively cultured plants directly used by people for food, medicinal purposes, or aesthetic gratification. 

India’s Potential in Global Horticulture Trade

• India’s Position: Second largest global producer of fruits and vegetables. India accounts for only 2% of global horticulture trade, highlighting an untapped potential.
• Opportunities: India has diverse climatic zones which are ideal for horticultural crops. Horticulture will boost production to improve access to nutritious food for India’s population.
  • Horticulture aligns well with India’s smallholder farming structure

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Strategies for Harnessing India’s Horticulture Potential

• About FPO: An FPO is a collective of farmers with holdings or works in a geographical cluster. It can be registered under the Companies Act or as a cooperative under the Societies Registration Act.
• Role of FPOs: Achieve economies of scale and improve operational efficiencies. Promote best practices and provide market linkages to international buyers. 
  • Secure fair prices for farmers by reducing intermediaries.
  • Enhance farmers’ capacity to manage modern agriculture’s complexities.
• Success Stories of FPO’s in India 
  • Purandar Highlands (Pune): Progressive smallholder farmers grow figs, tapping both domestic and international markets.
  • Sahyadri Farms: Comprehensive infrastructure, including advisory services, pack-houses, cold storage, and technology. Mentors farmers in producing high-quality goods that align with global standards.
• Bridging Extension Service Gaps: Equip farmers with latest agronomic knowledge and sustainable farming practices.
  • For ex: Soil Health Card scheme provides soil nutrient status of his/her holding to each farmer and advises him /her on the dosage of fertilizers.
• Precision Farming:  Adopt precision farming methods, integrated pest management, and responsible use of crop protection products to boost yield and quality.

• • For ex: Neem oil, derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), is widely recognized in integrated pest management for its insecticidal properties.
  • Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Build storage facilities and processing units to reduce wastage. Enhance the value and marketability of produce.
  • For ex:  Establishment of packhouses in Maharashtra  which are facilities designed for the proper handling, sorting, grading, and packaging of grapes. 
  • These packhouses play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses by ensuring that grapes are processed under controlled conditions
• Value Addition:  Enhance the value and marketability of produce.
  • For ex: Transforming raw bananas into banana chips exemplifies value addition in food processing, where a basic agricultural product is converted into a more valuable form, thereby increasing its market price.
• Address Trade Barriers: Negotiate trade agreements to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers hampering exports.
  • For ex: If India and Australia sign a trade agreement, Indian vegetables will gain access to the Australian market with reduced taxes.
• Compliance with International Standards: Establish safety and quality frameworks to meet international trade requirements. 
  • For example:To export mangoes to Japan, it is mandatory to subject the fruit to Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) to eliminate potential insect pests, particularly fruit flies.
• Promote Agri-Tech Investments: Technologies such as IoT-based monitoring systems, water management solutions, and drones for crop management.
• Provide Grants and Tax Incentives: Encourage adoption of advanced technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and climate resilience.
• Insurance Coverage: Lack of insurance coverage leaves farmers vulnerable, discouraging investments in high-value crops. 
  • Introduce affordable and customised insurance products to mitigate risks and encourage quality improvements for export compliance.
• Cluster Development Programme (CDP): A PPP model where the government facilitates resources and policies, while the private sector leverages its operational expertise to develop specialized crop clusters with export potential.

Integrated Logistics and Supply Chain Framework

• Effective Cold Chains: Vital for maintaining the safety, freshness, and nutritional value of in-transit food products.
• Components of a Robust Cold Chain:
  • Pre-Cooling Facilities: Maintain freshness post-harvest.
  • Refrigerated Transport: Ensure temperature control during transit.
  • Efficient Packaging Technologies: Retain product quality and extend shelf life.
• Benefits: Enhanced cold storage enables farmers to adjust supply based on demand fluctuations, which is crucial for exports.
• Government Programmes:
  • Gati Shakti Mission: Integrate cold storage and transport elements. 
  • Dedicated Freight Corridor: Provide real-time market data and connect farmers with market demand, prices, and logistics services.

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Conclusion

India truly has the potential to become a horticulture powerhouse. It can get there with robust, coordinated efforts and innovative strategies that enable equitable, sustainable growth for the sector and prioritise the prosperity of farmers.

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