The transformation into a foodgrain-surplus nation was significantly influenced by the Green Revolution in India. However, this achievement came with its own set of challenges including groundwater depletion, soil fertility decline, and excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers. This situation prompted a shift towards diversifying agriculture with an emphasis on high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and flowers, thereby enhancing horticulture's prominence in the agricultural sector. Horticulture not only promises to increase farm income but also ensures livelihood security and has the potential to earn foreign exchange. This sector has become an attractive avenue for small and marginal farmers.
India's horticulture output now exceeds its foodgrain production, positioning the country as the world's second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, following China. The country benefits from diverse agro-climatic zones, enabling the year-round cultivation of various fruit and vegetable varieties. Despite this, India's global market share in horticultural exports is minimal, ranking 14th in vegetables and 23rd in fruits, with a total share of merely 1%. Factors such as lack of quality, high levels of pesticide residue, and inadequate post-harvest management and marketing infrastructure have been identified as major impediments to enhancing India's export performance.
Nevertheless, the substantial volume of production presents significant export opportunities for India. According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, there has been a 20% increase in the value of fresh fruit and vegetable exports over the past three years, reaching $1,791.05 million in 2022-23. Key exported fruits include grapes, pomegranates, mangoes, bananas, and oranges, while the vegetable export basket mainly comprises onions, mixed vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, and green chillies. Primary export destinations encompass Bangladesh, Iraq, Malaysia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and the UK for fresh produce, and Bangladesh, China, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UAE for processed items.
Entering the export market on a larger scale necessitates adherence to specific practices and regulations to maintain exportable quality. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification outlines essential procedures for producing safe and wholesome food using sustainable methods.
Source: tribuneindia.com