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Horticulture Development in Andhra Pradesh

Sector Overview: Over the years, Andhra Pradesh has experienced a significant shift in its
agricultural focus, with horticulture growing at a faster pace than traditional agriculture. The
state is working towards becoming a major horticulture hub, with the sector playing a critical
role in food security, nutrition, and economic development. The state's diverse agro-climatic
conditions provide an ideal environment for cultivating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables,
ornamentals, spices, and plantation crops.

Key Horticulture Statistics (2023-24):

 Total Area under Horticulture Crops: 45.58 Lakh Acres

 Total Production: 366.53 Lakh MTs
o Fruits: 19.90 Lakh Acres, 200.64 Lakh MTs
o Plantation Crops: 11.83 Lakh Acres, 58.84 Lakh MTs
o Spices: 8.10 Lakh Acres, 20.12 Lakh MTs
o Vegetables: 4.70 Lakh Acres, 77.70 Lakh MTs
o Flowers: 1.05 Lakh Acres, 9.23 Lakh MTs

National Ranking in Horticulture:

 1st in Productivity: Oil Palm, Papaya, Lime, Cocoa, Tomato, Chillies

 2nd in Productivity: Mango, Sweet Orange, Turmeric

Economic Contribution (2022-23):

 Contribution to State GSDP:

o At constant prices: ₹54,525 Cr
o At current prices: ₹1,23,533 Cr

Key Expected Outcomes for 2024-25:

1. Micro Irrigation Expansion:

o Bringing an additional 2.5 Lakh Acres under micro irrigation.
2. Area Expansion in Fruits & Plantation Crops:
o Increasing the area by 1.27 Lakh Acres.
3. Plant Material Production:
o Supplying 7,69,500 quality plant materials from horticulture farms.
o Producing and supplying 67 Lakh grafted and non-grafted seedlings from the
Centre of Excellence, Kuppam.
4. Post-Harvest Infrastructure Development:
o Establishing ripening chambers, cold storages, pack houses, and common facility
centers (collection centers, cold rooms) for sorting, grading, and packing to
minimize post-harvest losses.

· Horticulture Development Strategy in Andhra Pradesh

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Development Strategies:

1. Cluster-Based Approach, Multiple Cropping System, and Inter-Cropping:

o Promoting diversified cropping systems to maximize returns from the same land.
This approach is designed to enhance productivity and generate additional income
for farmers by utilizing land efficiently.
2. Crop Diversification Program:
o Encouraging farmers to replace less remunerative crops such as upland paddy,
tobacco, sugarcane, casuarina, and eucalyptus with commercial horticulture crops.
This is aimed at improving the economic viability of farming.
3. Micro Irrigation and Efficient Water Use:
o Promoting the effective use of water and fertilizers, particularly through micro-
irrigation systems. Special focus is on implementing micro-irrigation in regions
like Rayalaseema and aspirational districts.
o Micro-irrigation is also being integrated into major and medium irrigation projects
for better water management.
4. Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs):
o Facilitating the formation of FPOs to create both forward and backward linkages.
This strategy aims to help farmers achieve better price realization and improve
their overall income.
5. Post-Harvest Management, Processing, and Export:
o Encouraging the establishment of post-harvest management units, primary
processing, and value addition facilities.
o Expanding marketing networks and improving the export of horticultural produce
to increase market access and returns.

Key Achievements in 2023-24:

1. Horticulture Area and Production:

o The total area under horticulture crops in Andhra Pradesh was 45.58 Lakh Acres
with a production of 366.53 Lakh MTs.
o Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of fruits in India, contributing 15.6% of
the country's total fruit production.
2. Top National Rankings:
o 1st in Productivity: Oil Palm, Papaya, Lime, Cocoa, Tomato, Coconut, and
Chillies.
o 2nd in Productivity: Mango, Sweet Orange, and Turmeric.
3. Crop Diversification and New Plantations:
o Over 1.43 Lakh Acres of less remunerative crops like upland paddy and tobacco
have been replaced by profitable horticultural crops.
o Exotic crops (e.g., dragon fruit, avocado, and fig) and niche crops (e.g., aonla,
karonda, jamun, tamarind, and jackfruit) were promoted to diversify the sector
and enhance farmer income.
4. Micro Irrigation Implementation:
o Andhra Pradesh ranked 4th nationally for micro-irrigation (MI) implementation,
with 2.05 Lakh Acres covered in 2023-24.

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o Five districts from the state were among the top 20 in MI implementation, with
notable recognition for best practices in Pulivendula (YSR District).
5. Oil Palm and Cocoa Cultivation:
o The state expanded its oil palm plantation by 51,150 Acres, ranking second in the
country under the National Mission on Oil Palm.
o Andhra Pradesh retained the position as the largest producer of cocoa, with
production growing to 28,000 MTs. The price of cocoa increased due to quality
improvements.
6. Horticulture Nurseries and Seedlings:
o Around 3,171 private horticulture nurseries were registered to ensure quality plant
material supply.
o The state produced and distributed over 7.39 Lakh fruit seedlings and 67.89 Lakh
grafted and 23.65 Lakh non-grafted vegetable seedlings in 2023-24.
7. Export Promotion:
o 28,224 farmers were registered with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority) for export promotion.
o Approximately 56,250 MTs of bananas and 2,000 MTs of mangoes were
exported, demonstrating strong growth in the export sector.

. The government of Andhra Pradesh is implementing several schemes in the agriculture sector, funded
by the Government of India (GoI), World Bank, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
These schemes aim to enhance agricultural productivity, improve irrigation systems, promote
horticulture, and strengthen the overall agricultural value chain. Below are some of the key schemes:

1) Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP)

 Objective: Enhance crop productivity by improving water-use efficiency through micro-

irrigation.
 Impact: Since 2003-04, the scheme has covered 37.90 lakh acres, benefiting 13.49 lakh
farmers. It uses drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to save water, power, labor, and
reduce cultivation costs.
 Action Plan for 2024-25: The state aims to cover an additional 2.50 lakh acres under
micro-irrigation with a financial outlay of Rs. 757.24 crore.

2) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

 Objective: Promote the holistic growth of the horticulture sector, including research,
technology promotion, post-harvest management, and processing.
 2024-25 Plan Highlights:
o Expansion of exotic and niche fruit crops.
o Promotion of poly-house cultivation for high-value vegetables and flowers.
o Establishment of collection centers, cold storage facilities, and primary processing
units.
o Development of centers of excellence for vegetable seedlings.
o Focus on onion storage structures, cold rooms, and modernizing the cold chain.

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3) National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO-OP) - Oil Palm

 Objective: Expand oil palm cultivation, which Andhra Pradesh leads in terms of area,
production, and productivity.
 Achievements: The state covers 5.68 lakh acres of oil palm and has set up 13 processing
units.
 2024-25 Action Plan: A target to cover an additional 87,500 acres with a financial outlay
of Rs. 261.53 crore.

4) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

 Objective: Implement horticulture activities in non-MIDH districts.

 2023-24 Initiatives: Includes crop diversification, promotion of fruit and vegetable
cultivation, post-harvest infrastructure like cold rooms and collection centers, and support
for certification programs.
 Action Plan for 2024-25: Allocation for certifications and projects on crop
diversification and infrastructure development.

5) Promotion of Horticulture Activities (State Development Plan)

 Objective: Improve the production, productivity, and quality of horticulture crops.

 Components: Area expansion, canopy management, rejuvenation, Integrated Pest
Management (IPM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), and post-harvest
management.

6) Externally Aided Projects (EAPs)

 a. Andhra Pradesh Integrated Irrigation and Agriculture Transformation Project

(APIIATP): Focuses on productivity enhancement and quality improvement activities
like fruit care and capacity building.
 b. Andhra Pradesh Irrigation and Livelihood Improvement Project (APILIP):
Targets value chain development for strategic crops like coconut, mango, chili, and
tomato.

7) National Bamboo Mission (AP)

 Objective: Promote bamboo cultivation, with an approved financial outlay of Rs. 62.50
lakh for the year 2024-25.

8) Coconut Development Board (CDB)

 Objective: Enhance coconut productivity through replanting and rejuvenation programs.

 Financial Assistance: Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 15,000 per hectare for replanting and
rejuvenation.

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9) Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

 Objective: Strengthen FPOs with a focus on post-harvest infrastructure, value addition,

and marketing tie-ups.
 Support: Infrastructure development, transport vehicles, and promotional costs for FPOs
with a total release of Rs. 28.24 crore.

10) Rayalaseema Region as Horticulture Hub

 Objective: Establish Rayalaseema as a major horticulture hub, focusing on horticulture

plantations like cashew, banana, and others.
 Achievements: Andhra Pradesh is the largest exporter of bananas, with a Banana Fruit
Train launched for exports.

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