Horticulture production in 2022-23 estimated at record 351 million tonnes
Horticultural production in India is likely to have reached a record high of 350.87 million tons (metric tons) in the current crop season (July 2022 – June 2023) with the production of fruits, vegetables, spices and agricultural crops increasing significantly.
However, among the main staples, onion and tomato production were underestimated but potato production was pegged higher. The production of all horticultural products reached 347.18 million tons in 2021-2022.
Announcing the first advance acreage and production estimates for 2022-23 and final estimates for 2021-22, the Union Department of Agriculture said on Monday that the data has been compiled on the basis of information received from states and other government agencies.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar praised the hard work of the farmers and the expertise of the agronomists as well as the centre’s policies of record production.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the area under horticulture rose to 28.28 million hectares in 2022-23 from 28.04 million hectares last year.
upward review
Experts said the gap is marginal in the first estimate compared to last year’s final estimate and there may be an upward adjustment in production in subsequent updates.
Onion production is estimated at 31.1 metric tons this year, down from 31.69 metric tons in 2021-22, while tomato production is likely at 20.62 metric tons versus 20.69 metric tons. Potato production is expected to increase at 59.74 metric tons compared to 56.18 metric tons last year.
The total production of vegetables was pegged at 212.53 million tons versus 209.14 metric tons. Fruit production reached 107.75 metric tons this year, compared to 107.51 tons in 2021-2022.