Abstract

Author:

Saddam Hussain, Mumtaj Ahmad

Doi: 10.26480/seps.02.2025.84.91

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Horticulture has emerged as one of the most dynamic subsectors of Indian agriculture, reflecting both structural diversification and responses to changing socio-economic and agro-ecological conditions. This study undertakes a spatio-temporal analysis of horticultural development in India, examining long-term growth trends and regional disparities. Using secondary data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the analysis covers the period 1991–92 to 2024–25, with a focus on area, production, and productivity. Temporal findings reveal a significant transformation: the area under horticultural crops expanded from 13 million hectares in 1991–92 to 29.3 million hectares in 2024–25, while production surged nearly fourfold from 97 million tonnes to 368 million tonnes. Productivity doubled over the same period, rising from 8 MT/ha to 12.6 MT/ha, driven by technological interventions, improved irrigation, and adoption of high-yielding varieties. Spatially, the analysis highlights stark regional disparities. In 2004–05, states such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra dominated production, with Punjab and Uttar Pradesh recording high productivity. By 2024–25, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh emerged as horticultural leaders, while several North-Eastern and arid states continued to lag behind. The comparative assessment underscores a dual trajectory—widespread productivity-driven growth alongside persistent spatial imbalances. The findings emphasize that horticulture has become central to India’s agricultural transition, contributing to nutritional security, farm income enhancement, and export potential. However, targeted interventions are necessary to address regional disparities and ensure inclusive, sustainable horticultural development.