Gujarat tops in okra production - EMINENT MindX AI School

In News: Gujarat tops in okra production

Gujarat has emerged as India’s leading producer of okra, ranking first in both area and production during 2023–24.
Okra cultivation in the State covered 93,955 hectares with a production of 11.68 lakh tonnes.
The Saurashtra–Kutch region has become a major growth driver, accounting for nearly 15% of the cultivated area and about 13% of total okra production in the State.
In 2024–25, okra cultivation expanded across 12 districts of Saurashtra and Kutch, covering around 14,000 hectares and yielding close to 1.5 lakh tonnes.
Gujarat contributed 7.66% to India’s total vegetable production in 2024–25, underlining its growing role in national horticulture output.
Productivity in the Saurashtra–Kutch region stood at 20.60 metric tonnes per hectare, reflecting improved farming practices, agri-infrastructure, and efficiency.
The growth coincides with preparations for the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2026, positioning horticulture as a key sector for regional development and investment.

Horticulture in Gujarat: Horticultural crops are now grown on nearly 20% of the State’s total agricultural area, with farmers shifting from traditional crops due to higher returns per hectare.
Government Support:
- Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the National Horticulture Mission (NHM).
- Focus areas include cluster-based development, protected cultivation, post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure, clean planting material, and capacity building.
- Subsidies are provided for hi-tech horticulture, polyhouses, packhouses, grading and packing units, training, demonstrations, and market linkages, including support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Policy Significance: Strengthening horticulture contributes to agricultural diversification, income enhancement for farmers, value-chain development, and regional balanced growth.

Updated – 30 December 2025, 05:54 AM IST | News Source: The Hindu