India’s horticulture production is projected to reach 3,777.76 lakh tonne in 2025-26, marking an increase of 70.39 lakh tonne, or 1.9 per cent, over the previous year, according to the Second Advance Estimates released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Thursday.
The estimates, compiled on the basis of information received from States, Union Territories and other government agencies, indicate a marginal rise in the area under horticulture cultivation to 301.51 lakh hectares in 2025-26, compared to 301.36 lakh hectares in 2024-25.
The increase in overall horticulture output is expected to be driven by higher production of fruits, vegetables, flowers and aromatic and medicinal crops.
Fruit production is projected to rise by 3.25 per cent to 1,214.75 lakh tonne in 2025-26 from 1,176.49 lakh tonne in 2024-25. The growth is attributed to increased output of banana, mango, papaya, apple and guava.
The area under vegetable cultivation is expected to expand to 118.79 lakh hectares from 117.91 lakh hectares in the previous year. Vegetable production is estimated at 2,210 lakh tonne, up 1.47 per cent from 2,177.97 lakh tonne in 2024-25. Higher production is anticipated for potato, tomato, okra, peas, cauliflower and bottle gourd.
Onion cultivation area is expected to increase by 2.31 per cent to 20.14 lakh hectares in 2025-26 from 19.68 lakh hectares a year earlier. However, onion production is projected to remain largely stable at 307.37 lakh tonne compared to 307.67 lakh tonne in 2024-25.
Potato production is estimated to rise by 2.25 per cent to 598.89 lakh tonne, while tomato production is expected to increase by 4.19 per cent to 214.61 lakh tonne.
The production of aromatic and medicinal plants is projected to grow from 9.01 lakh tonne in 2024-25 to 9.76 lakh tonne in 2025-26.
The report also estimates that plantation crops will cover 46.56 lakh hectares, with production expected to reach 169.34 lakh tonne during the year.
Flower cultivation is expected to witness growth, with the area under flowers rising to 4 lakh hectares from 3.97 lakh hectares in 2024-25. Flower production is projected to increase by around 7.5 per cent to 45.84 lakh tonne from 42.65 lakh tonne.
The area under spices is expected to expand to 50 lakh hectares in 2025-26, while production is projected to reach 126.55 lakh tonne. Higher output is anticipated for garlic, turmeric, curry leaf and fenugreek.
According to the estimates, the country’s horticulture sector continues to maintain steady growth, supported by expanding cultivation areas and improved production across several key crops.
