Budget 2025 focuses on horticulture growth and supply chains

New Delhi: The central government is set to introduce a comprehensive programme in association with the state governments in a bid to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption in the country. Currently, the per capita consumption of these two items is low among the people. Announcing the initiative while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, the finance minister said that in recent times, people have started consuming more vegetables and fruits due to the rise in income. Sitharaman also announced a comprehensive programme for vegetables and fruits, assigning Rs 500 crore.

She further added that we are planning to take steps to boost the production of horticulture crops and bring improvement in supply chains, with an aim to provide fair prices to farmers. The plan will also include institutional mechanisms involving farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives for better implementation. Sitharaman explained that people are gradually becoming aware of nutrition, which is a positive sign for making a healthier society.

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The budget also planned to upgrade the warehousing and air cargo infrastructure in the country to transport the perishable horticulture produce easily and in quick time. Meanwhile, the Economic Survey 2024-25 declared the horticulture sector as a fast-growing industry. It was unveiled that India’s horticulture sector is replete with productivity, and there is a great scope of profit compared to traditional crops, emerging as one of the fastest-growing industries.

Besides the fruits and vegetables programme, the government has also introduced the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds. Five-Year Mission for Cotton Productivity. Enhanced Support for Agriculture and Allied Activities.

These initiatives are likely to boost the Indian agriculture and horticulture sectors, making them more profitable for farmers with the sustainable growth.