India’s horticulture sector has expanded over the past few decades. Supported by government efforts to diversify fruit and vegetable sector into high-value agriculture as part of its income-doubling strategy for farmers, the sector is evolving significantly. As per the data released in August 2025, the second advanced estimates for the 2024-25 season show horticulture (fruit and vegetable among the others) production at 367.72 million tons, compared with 280.70 million tons in 2013-14. This fact includes 114.51 million tons of fruit, 219.67 million tons of vegetables, and 33.54 million tons from other horticultural crops.
For 2023-24, fruit production in India rose from 86.6 million tons in 2014-15 to 112.97 million tons, an increase of around 30%, whereas vegetable production also grew by 22% from 169.47 million tons to 207.2 million tons in the same period. Followed by the output in the fruit and vegetable, productivity levels also increased, with fruit yields increasing from 14.17 to 15.80 tons per hectare and vegetables from 17.76 to 18.40 tons per hectare.
As per the statement released by officials on Sunday, the horticulture sector in India has marked a significant progress over the years which can be attributed to government efforts followed by targeted government schemes and initiatives that aim to tackle key challenges. The statement stressed on continued focus on enhancing crop quality, increasing production, and improving farmers’ access to markets.
The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, launched in 2014-15, is the main centrally sponsored scheme guiding this growth. It aims to ensure the holistic development of the sector across states and Union Territories. Impact assessments of the scheme have been conducted by independent agencies, including NITI Aayog, while the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare carries out ongoing monitoring and evaluation.