Horticulture output likely to surpass foodgrain production in 2025-26, reaches record 377.8 million tonnes

India's horticulture sector is set to achieve a major milestone in 2025-26, with total production estimated at 377.78 million tonnes, slightly exceeding the country's foodgrain output for the year.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates for horticultural crops, based on data received from states, Union Territories and other government agencies. According to the estimates, horticulture production is expected to reach 3,777.76 lakh tonnes from an area of 301.51 lakh hectares during 2025-26.

The projected output is higher by 70.39 lakh tonnes, or 1.9 percent, compared to the previous year. The area under horticulture is also expected to increase marginally by 0.14 lakh hectares.

The development is significant because the country's total foodgrain production, as per the Third Advance Estimates released in May, is projected at 376.56 million tonnes. This means horticulture production is likely to surpass foodgrain production, highlighting the growing contribution of fruits, vegetables and other high-value crops to Indian agriculture.

Fruit production is expected to witness strong growth during 2025-26. Output is estimated to rise by 3.25 percent to 121.48 million tonnes, driven by higher production of banana, mango, papaya, apple and guava.

Vegetable cultivation area is expected to increase to 118.79 lakh hectares, while production is likely to rise by 1.47 percent to 221 million tonnes. Higher output is anticipated from potato, tomato, okra, peas, cauliflower and bottle gourd.

Potato production is projected at 59.89 million tonnes, up 2.25 percent from the previous year. Tomato production is expected to rise by 4.19 percent to 21.46 million tonnes.

Onion cultivation area is likely to increase by 2.31 percent to 20.14 lakh hectares. However, onion production is expected to remain almost stable at 30.74 million tonnes, compared to 30.77 million tonnes in 2024-25.

Production of flowers is estimated to increase by around 7.5 percent to 45.84 lakh tonnes, while aromatic and medicinal plants are expected to record growth from 9.01 lakh tonnes to 9.76 lakh tonnes.

The area under plantation crops is estimated at 46.56 lakh hectares, with production expected at 169.34 lakh tonnes. Spice production is also projected to increase to 126.55 lakh tonnes, supported by higher output of garlic, turmeric, curry leaf and fenugreek.

The estimates indicate that horticulture continues to emerge as a key growth driver in Indian agriculture, offering farmers greater opportunities for income diversification and value addition.