The Agriculture Ministry's latest figures on horticultural crop production in India for 2023-24 reveal a nuanced picture, with fruits showing a rise in output but vegetables experiencing a decline, primarily attributed to erratic weather conditions.
Released on Tuesday, the second advance estimates indicate a slight decrease in overall horticulture production, down to approximately 352.23 million tonnes, a drop of 0.91 per cent from the previous year's final estimates.
Fruit production is anticipated to increase, reaching 112.63 million tonnes, driven by higher yields in bananas, lime/lemon, mango, guava, and grapes. However, apple and pomegranate production is expected to decrease compared to the previous year.
On the other hand, vegetable production is forecasted to be around 204.96 million tonnes, showcasing a mixed trend. Notable increases are expected in crops like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, tapioca, carrot, and tomato. Conversely, onion, potato, brinjal, and other vegetables are anticipated to see a decrease in production.
Specifically, onion production is projected to be 242.12 lakh tonnes, down from 302.08 lakh tonnes the previous year, marking a significant decrease of about 60 lakh tonnes. Similarly, potato production is expected to decline to 567.62 lakh tonnes, with notable decreases in Bihar and West Bengal.
However, there is a silver lining for tomato production, which is estimated to increase to 212.38 lakh tonnes, representing a 3.98 per cent rise from the previous year.
The estimates are based on data compiled from various state and union territory sources and other governmental agencies. These figures provide crucial insights into the agricultural landscape, informing stakeholders and policymakers for strategic planning and interventions.
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