Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today released the Third Advance Estimates of the area and production of horticultural crops for the year 2024–25. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the nation’s agriculture and horticulture sectors are witnessing unprecedented progress, reflecting the fruits of the tireless efforts of the country’s farmers. The area under horticultural crops is estimated to have increased by 0.4 million hectares, from 29.086 million hectares in the previous year to 29.488 million hectares. The total production is estimated to have increased by 14.311 million tonnes — from 354.744 million tonnes in the previous year to 369.055 million tonnes.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh remarked that this remarkable growth is the outcome of the relentless hard work of farmers, the dedicated efforts of agricultural scientists, and the farmer-friendly policies and beneficial schemes introduced by the Central Government under the guidance of the Prime Minister. These schemes encompass the use of superior seeds, adoption of modern technologies, and improved market access, leading to increased productivity and profitability in horticulture. He also informed that a significant rise has been recorded in the production of both fruits and vegetables.

Fruit production is expected to increase by about 5.12 percent (57.82 lakh tonnes), reaching 118.76 million tonnes. Major contributors to this growth include banana, mango, watermelon, jackfruit, mandarin, papaya, and guava. Vegetable production is projected to increase by 4.09 percent (84.76 lakh tonnes), reaching an estimated 215.684 million tonnes. Among these, onion production is expected to register an impressive increase of 26.88 percent, rising from 24.267 million tonnes in the previous year to 30.789 million tonnes. Potato production, too, is expected to grow by 1.85 percent, reaching 58.108 million tonnes.

According to the Third Advance Estimates of the area and production of horticultural crops for the year 2024–25, the production of aromatic and medicinal plants is estimated to reach 0.781 million tonnes, as compared to 0.726 million tonnes last year. The total production of spices is projected at approximately 12.503 million tonnes, with notable increases in the production of garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Last year, total spice production stood at 12.484 million tonnes. Tomato production is expected to reach 19.468 million tonnes.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh further explained that the government is introducing new technologies for farmers, aimed at simultaneously enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. Through the widespread dissemination of innovative technologies in horticulture, advancements in high-quality seed production, and improved market management, India is steadily moving toward becoming a global leader in agriculture. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and keeping the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) at the core, continuous reforms and prosperity in the agricultural sector are being propelled. The government strives to ensure that every farmer’s life becomes more prosperous, sustainable, and dignified.

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