India's Horticulture Production Set to Reach New Heights

India's Horticulture Production Forecast for 2024-25

India’s horticulture production is poised to achieve a remarkable milestone, reaching an estimated 367.72 million tonnes (mt) in the agricultural year 2024–25. This projection comes from the Second Advance Estimates released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. This anticipated growth marks a 3.7% increase compared to the previous year.

Significant Increases in Key Crops

The surge in production encompasses a notable rise in vegetables, including potato, onion, and green chilli, alongside fruits such as watermelon, mango, and banana. The area dedicated to horticulture has expanded significantly, growing by 1.81 lakh hectares to a total of 29.26 million hectares, indicating an increase in cultivation efforts.

Impact on Food Inflation

This rise in horticulture output is particularly vital as it has the potential to help moderate food inflation, which recently declined to 0.99% in May, representing the lowest rate since October 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the total horticulture production estimated for 2024–25?
  India’s horticulture output is expected to reach 367.72 million tonnes, establishing a record high with a 3.7% increase from the prior year.
• How much area is covered under horticulture crops this year?
  The area under horticulture crops has grown to 29.26 million hectares, up by 1.81 lakh hectares from last year.
• Which vegetables have seen the most growth in production?
  Notable increases have been observed in potato (60.17 mt), onion (30.77 mt, up 27%), green chilli, and bottle gourd.
• What is the trend in fruit production in 2024–25?
  Fruit production is projected to rise nominally by 1.36%, reaching 114.51 million tonnes, with growth noted in watermelon, mangoes, banana, mausami, and papaya.
• Has tomato production increased in 2024–25?
  No, tomato production is estimated at 20.75 million tonnes, slightly down from 21.32 million tonnes last year.
• Why is this record output significant for the economy?
  Higher horticulture output may contribute to easing food inflation, enhancing supply chains, and stabilizing consumer prices, especially for essential fruits and vegetables.
• How does this impact food inflation trends?
  The increased supply has led to a 79 basis points drop in food inflation in May 2025 compared to April, bringing it down to 0.99%, the lowest since October 2021.
• What is the share of vegetables in the total horticulture output?
  Vegetable production is estimated at 219.67 mt, representing the largest share of total horticultural production.
• Are these figures final?
  No, these are second advance estimates and may be updated based on further field data later in the year.