NEW DELHI : Mr Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India today said that horticulture has emerged as a major engine of agricultural transformation, contributing nearly one-third of agricultural gross value added (GVA) and many horticulture farmers have already experienced it as a transformative medium, while some are yet to grasp its full potential. “Today, horticulture is shaping the future of Indian agriculture through value, opportunity and resilience,” he added.
Addressing FICCI’s India Horticulture Summit 2026, Minister Choudhary stated that India’s agricultural sector, demonstrating robust and strong growth, serves as the foundation for rural livelihoods and food security. With advancement in productivity, quality and increased market access, there has been an increase in farmers confidence and encouraged them to diversify away from low-yield crops. “The sector is now moving away from quantity-based expansion to value-based growth, with greater emphasis on fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops that offer better income potential,” he emphasized.
Shri Choudhary further added that government stands ready to support and facilitate all efforts that drive the next phase of horticulture transformation, and work with farmers, FPOs, industry and other stakeholders to build strong, competitive and sustainable horticulture sector.
Dr Naveen Patle, Additional Commissioner (Horticulture), DA&FW, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt of India emphasized the need for leveraging quality production, strengthening processing capabilities, and enhancing import-export linkages to improve farmers’ incomes. The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare remains committed to incorporating these expert recommendations to build a robust, globally competitive horticulture ecosystem.”
Mr Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Horticulture & Group ED, FIL Industries Pvt. Ltd said, “India should focus on self-sustainability in horticulture over the next 5-7 years and further aim to emerge as an export-driven nation in next 10 to 15 years.”