Topic
horticulture
Commodities Beyond traditional crops: Why high-value nut farming could be the next growth opportunity for hill States
Indian hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir are poised to expand high-value nut farming, leveraging climate advantages and policy support. With domestic demand for nuts rising and a significant share met by imports, locally grown almonds and walnuts could capture market share. Recent budget announcements and sapling imports signal a shift toward scalable production, though infrastructure gaps remain.
Commodities Expert panel suggests rejuvenating old Totapuri mango orchards in Andhra Pradesh after price crash
A high-level expert panel has recommended rejuvenation of old Totapuri mango orchards in Andhra Pradesh, following a price decline to ₹4–6 per kg from ₹18–20 per kg. The government approved ₹1,747 per quintal assistance under a market intervention scheme. Separately, Alphonso exports face heatwave damage and logistical disruptions due to West Asia tensions.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces How quick commerce is silently eliminating India’s middlemen and benefitting horticulture farmers
Quick commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto are partnering with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to bypass middlemen, enabling farmers to receive ₹2-2.50/kg more than local mandi rates. The model relies on direct procurement, a 'no profit no loss' approach, and return-to-vendor clauses to maintain quality.
Manufacturing Kerala’s Tax Cut on Low-Alcohol Beverages Could Boost Fruit Wine Manufacturing Output
The Kerala government's tax reduction on low-alcohol beverages is expected to spur fruit wine manufacturing, particularly from cashew apples. Agricultural experts highlight potential for farm income diversification, post-harvest loss reduction, and growth of rural processing enterprises.
Commodities Himachal Apple Output Plunges 40% Amid Climate Stress, Threatening Rs 5,000 Crore Economy
Himachal Pradesh's apple production is forecast to fall by nearly 40% year-on-year to 4.36 lakh metric tonnes in 2026, driven by unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and insufficient winter chill. The drop threatens the state's Rs 5,000 crore apple economy and affects 2.5 lakh farming families. Growers are calling for better irrigation and awareness of crop insurance.
Commodities Lavender Cultivation Expands as High-Value Agricultural Enterprise in Jammu and Kashmir
Lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir has expanded to around 1,200 hectares, emerging as a profitable alternative to conventional crops. The crop is promoted under the Union government's Aroma Mission and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, with 14 lavender clusters operationalised. Farmers earn high returns from essential oil and dried flowers, with prices ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500 per kilogram.
Commodities High-density exotic cherry varieties transform Kashmir orchards, fetch premium prices
Kashmir's cherry growers in Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian are shifting to high-density exotic varieties such as Regina and Kordia, fetching ₹400-500 per kg—a premium over traditional varieties. Government initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme and the Cherry Cluster Development Project support this transition, aiming to add 4,000 metric tonnes to annual production and benefit 4,000 growers.
Trade Odisha SHG Exports 7.5 Quintals of Amrapali Mangoes to London via PSFPO Project
Maa Kalijai SHG from Odisha's Angul district has exported 7.5 quintals of Amrapali mangoes to London under the PSFPO project. The export was facilitated by Palladium Consulting with support from the Directorate of Horticulture, Mission Shakti, and Odisha Livelihoods Mission. Odisha has achieved 90 tonnes of mango exports so far this year.
Commodities J&K Plans Clean Plant Centre to Boost Horticulture Quality, Says Minister
Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar outlined plans to establish a Clean Plant Centre to improve horticulture planting material quality, while also addressing challenges like lack of crop insurance for apples and saffron, pest infestations from imported material, and shrinking farmland. The interview covered high-density apple cultivation success and climate adaptation efforts.
Commodities India’s horticulture output hits record 378 mt in 2025-26
India's horticulture production for the 2025-26 crop year is estimated at a record 377.78 million tonnes, up from 370.74 mt a year ago, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The increase is driven by a marginal rise in acreage and improved yields in fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers. Key crops like banana, mango, potato, and tomato posted gains.
Sahyadri Farms Expands into B2C Processed Foods Market
Sahyadri Farms, a leading Farmer Producer Organisation in India, is set to enter the B2C market with processed horticultural products. The company aims for B2C to contribute 30% of its revenue in the next decade.
Commodities Tamil Nadu Mango Farmers Boost Yields with High-Density Planting
Tamil Nadu mango farmers have significantly increased their yields by adopting ultra high-density planting (UHDP) techniques. This shift, supported by Coca-Cola's Project Unnati, has transformed traditional farming practices, allowing for multiple harvests annually and improved income stability.