Introduction
High-value crops (HVCs) such as fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants contribute significantly to farm incomes, employment, and exports. Farmers’ decisions to shift towards HVCs depend on various factors.

Body

Factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high-value crops in India

Economic factors

• Market demand and prices: Higher and steadier prices for fruits, vegetables, and spices attract farmers to high‑value crops.
  • Eg: Horticulture value share rising under MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) support.
• Credit and insurance: Easy loans and crop insurance reduce risks, letting farmers invest in costlier crops and inputs.
• Infrastructure: Cold chains and processing units cut spoilage and raise returns, making perishables more viable.
  • Eg: Over 50000 post‑harvest assets set up under MIDH since 2019–20.

Environmental and resource factors

• Agro‑climatic suitability: Farmers choose crops that fit local soil and weather to reduce losses.
  • Eg: Pomegranate clusters developed under horticulture missions in dry belts.
• Pest risks: Farmers prefer crops with fewer pest outbreaks or better control options to avoid costly losses.
  • Eg: Operation Greens support for TOP (Tomato, Onion and Potato) crops reduces volatility.

Socio‑cultural factors

• Dietary preferences: Rising urban demand for fruits, dairy, and exotic vegetables pulls farmers toward diverse, high‑value produce. 
• Traditional knowledge: Familiar crops and practices improve confidence and yields.
  • Eg: Basmati cultivation sustained by established farmer know‑how in North India.

Policy and institutional factors

• Government schemes: Subsidies and horticulture missions promote diversification toward higher‑value crops.
  • Eg: MIDH added over 15 lakh hectares under horticulture by 2025.
• Export incentives: Policies support globally demanded crops, improving price realisation.
  • Eg: Value chain projects under PMKSY aid spice and fruit processing for export.
• Extension services: KVKs and training help farmers adopt new crops and techniques. Eg: MIDH and PMKSY projects include capacity building for FPOs and SHGs.

Conclusion
The choice of high-value crops is not merely an economic decision but also shaped by ecology, policy, and market access. Strengthening rural infrastructure, credit, and risk management will make high-value cropping a sustainable pathway for doubling farmers’ income.

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