Horticulture sector is fast growing in area, production and utilization with ever growing scientific and technological support. Agriculture grows at 4 per cent per annum whereas horticulture grows at 8 per cent per annum from past some years. Horticulture development was never a priority until 1992. During the period of 1948 to 1980 more importance was given to cereals and not much attention was given to horticultural development in India. However during the period 1980-92 and post that there was consolidated support was given to horticulture sector via an augmentation of planned and knowledge-based technology. In the year 2005-06 National Horticulture Mission has been initiated by government of India in the year 2005-06 with the objective to promote overall sustainable growth of horticulture sector. From last two decades Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and allied industry is 17.1 per cent to 18.0 percent along with the increasing contribution of horticulture sector. Horticulture has full potential to generate agriculture income from multiple sources and boosting economic growth of our country because it is market driven cultivation of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants. Horticulture requires small size land for cultivation thus it’s possible for marginal and small farmers to its cultivation and bringing about a pro-poor economic growth.

Horticulture, Foodgrain, Fruits, Vegetable, Plants