Horticultural Production in India Estimated at 353.19 million Tonnes for 2023-24, Report from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released the third advance estimates for various horticultural crops for 2023-24, indicating a slight decline in overall horticultural production.

Key Highlights of the 2023-24 Estimates:

1. Total Horticulture Production: The total horticultural production in the country is projected to be approximately 353.19 million tonnes, reflecting a decrease of about 22.94 lakh tonnes (0.65%) compared to the final estimates of 2022-23.
2. Fruits Production: The production of fruits is expected to increase by 2.29%, reaching 112.73 million tonnes. This growth is primarily driven by higher yields of mango, banana, lime, grapes, custard apple, and other fruits. However, a decline is anticipated in the production of apple, orange, mandarin, guava, litchi, pomegranate, and pineapple.
3. Vegetables Production: Vegetable production is projected to be approximately 205.80 million tonnes. Increases are anticipated in the yields of tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, cassava, bottle gourd, pumpkin, carrot, cucumber, bitter gourd, parwal, and okra. Conversely, a decline is expected in the production of potato, onion, brinjal, elephant foot yam, capsicum, and other vegetable varieties.
4. Onion Production: The onion production for 2023-24 is estimated to remain stable at 242.44 lakh tonnes.
5. Potato Production: Potato production is expected to be around 570.49 lakh tonnes, primarily due to reported declines in key states like Bihar and West Bengal.
6. Tomato Production: A notable increase in tomato production is projected, with an expected yield of 213.20 lakh tonnes, compared to approximately 204.25 lakh tonnes last year, reflecting a growth of 4.38%.

These estimates provide crucial information for farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, enabling them to make informed decisions for the upcoming season.