India’s Horticulture Output Rises 4% to a Record 369 Million Tonne in 2024–25

Fruit and vegetable production expands; onion output jumps 27% as acreage increases across the country

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India’s horticulture sector has posted a strong performance in 2024–25, with total production rising 4% to 369.05 million tonne, according to the Agriculture Ministry’s third advance estimates released on Tuesday. This marks an increase of 14.31 million tonne over last year’s output of 354.74 million tonne.

Acreage Expands, Boosting Overall Production

The total area under horticulture crops has increased by 0.4 million hectares, from 29.08 million ha to 29.49 million ha. This expansion, combined with improved varieties and better production practices, has contributed to the overall rise.

Fruits: Strong Growth Led by Banana, Mango and Watermelon

Fruit production is estimated to have grown by 5.12% (an increase of 5.78 million tonne), reaching 118.76 million tonne in 2024–25.

Major contributors include:

• Banana
• Mango
• Watermelon
• Jackfruit
• Mandarin
• Papaya
• Guava

These fruit groups continue to drive India’s expanding horticulture demand and export potential.

Vegetables: Output Climbs to 215.68 Million Tonne

Vegetable production grew 4.09%, reaching 215.68 million tonne.

A key highlight is the 27% surge in onion output, rising sharply to 30.78 million tonne from last year’s 24.26 million tonne. Potato production also increased by 1.85% to 58.11 million tonne, while tomato output is expected at 19.47 million tonne.

Spices, Medicinal Plants Record Steady Growth

• Aromatic & medicinal plants: ↑ to 7.81 lakh tonne
• Spices: ↑ to 12.50 million tonne, primarily due to higher production of garlic, ginger and turmeric

These categories reflect India’s growing strength in high-value crops.

Government Attributes Growth to Technological and Policy Support

Releasing the estimates, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan credited the achievement to:

• Farmers’ hard work
• Agricultural research advancements
• Improved seeds
• Modern technologies
• Better market access
• A range of farmer-focused government schemes

He added that the adoption of modern horticulture techniques and better market management are helping India move closer to becoming a global agricultural leader.