Introduction
Horticulture is a branch of agriculture relating to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, flowers and garden crops. It is a capital and labour intensive agriculture. Horticulture may be classified into a number of general divisions as follows :
- Olericulture : vegetable
- Pomology : fruit
- Floriculture : flower
- Arboriculture : aesthetic or ornamental tree
- Landscape gardening and design
- Processing & manufacturing
- Nursery business
- Seed trade
- Storage & marketing
Institutional Setups in Uttar Pradesh
Horticulture and Food Processing Department was established in 1974 in view of immense possibilities of industrial development in the state.
Industrial experiment and training centres have been set up by this department in Basti, Saharanpur, Lucknow, Prayag and Jhansi keeping in view the different agro-climatic conditions of the state. Lucknow centre is for mango and Prayagraj for guava. While the rest are for many fruits. For e.g.
- Horticulture Experiment & Training Centre District, Basti.
- Beetle Experiment & Training Centre District, Mahoba.
Schemes and Missions
Horticulture Promotion Scheme: Development of Fruit Belts
- Duration : 5 years (2017 to 2021-22)
- About scheme : State government has declared fruit belt for development of three fruiti.e. Mango, Guava and Gooseberry.
- Mango fruit belt is covered by 31 Development Blocks of Saharanpur, Meerut, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Pratapgarh, Varanasi, Lucknow, Unnao, Sitapur, Hardoi, Faizabad and Barabanki districts.
- For Guava fruit belt, 6 development blocks of district Koushambi and Badaun have been selected and
- 2 development blocks of district Pratapgarh are selected for Gooseberry fruit belt.
The National Horticulture Mission operated by the Centre since 2005-06 is being operated in the name of Integrated Horticulture Development Mission from 2014-15. Under this mission, at present, programs are being run in 45 districts of the state for expansion of area and production of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices and medicinal crops.
The ‘National Mission on Micro Irrigation’ is run by the Central Government for well-planned irrigation of horticultural crops in almost all the districts of the state. Under this, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems are installed.
Under the National Horticulture Mission, the government gives a maximum grant of 50 percent for the establishment of ideal nursery, small nursery, plant health clinic, pack house, pre-cooling unit, cold storage, container, reefer van, ripening chamber, etc.
There is one state level (State Fruit Preservation and Canning Institute, Lucknow) and 10 divisional level educational institutions to promote processing of agricultural/horticultural products in the state. Where diploma degree is given.
The country’s first horticulture call centre has been opened at Rehman Khera, Lucknow-based Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture.
Production
Horticulture crop Category wise 2020-21 ( Final Estimate )
Area : in ‘000’ hectare
Production : in ‘000’ MT
| Area | Production | |||
| 1. Total Horticulture | ||||
| India | 27476.10 | 334602.71 | ||
| UP | 2373.90 ( 8.64 % ) | 40813.85 ( 12.2 % ) | ||
| State ranking | 1. Karnataka
2. UP 3. MP |
1.UP
2. West Bengal 3. MP |
||
| 2. Fruits | ||||
| India | 6929.73 | 102481.17 | ||
| UP | 504.15 (7.3 %) | 11231.46 (10.96 %) | ||
| State ranking | 1. Maharashtra
2. Andhra Pradesh 3. UP |
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Maharashtra 3. UP |
||
| 3. Vegetables | ||||
| India | 10859.42 | 200445.23 | ||
| UP | 1307.22 (12.04 %) | 29160.91 (14.55 %) | ||
| State ranking | 1. West Bengal
2. UP 3. MP |
1. West Bengal
2. UP 3. MP |
||
| 4. Plantation | ||||
| India | 4254.79 | 16628.93 | ||
| UP | — | — | ||
| State ranking | 1. Karnataka
2. Kerala Tamil Nadu |
1. Kerala
2. Karnataka Tamil Nadu |
||
| 5. Aromatic & medicine | ||||
| India | 653.20 | 824.99 | ||
| UP | 135.04 (20 %) | 13.53 (1.64 %) | ||
| State ranking | 1. Rajasthan
2. UP 3. MP |
1. Tamil Nadu
2. Rajasthan 3. MP |
||
| 6. Flowers | Loose | Cut | Total | |
| India | 322.02 | 2151.96 | 828.09 | 2980.05 |
| UP | 22.58 (7.02 %) | 49.26 | 69.22 | 118.48 (3.98 %) |
| State ranking | 1. Kerala
2. Tamil Nadu 3. Karnataka |
1. Tamil Nadu
2. MP 3. Karnataka |
1. West Bengal
2. Karnataka 3. Chhattisgarh |
|
| 7. Spices | ||||
| India | 4456.94 | 11117.34 | ||
| UP | 404.92 (9.08 %) | 266.97 (2.4 %) | ||
| State ranking | 1. Rajasthan
2. Gujarat 3. MP |
1. MP
2. Rajasthan 3. Gujarat |
||
| 8. Honey | ||||
| India | — | 125.01 | ||
| UP | — | 22.50 (18 %) | ||
| State ranking | — | 1. UP
2. West Bengal 3. Punjab |
||
Impact on Development of UP
Economic Growth and Employment :
- Job Creation : Horticulture initiatives create employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, contributing to reduced unemployment rates.
- Economic Diversification : Diversification of agricultural activities leads to a more stable and robust economy.
Agricultural Transformation :
- Increase in Crop Yield : Horticultural practices enhance overall crop yield, ensuring food security and surplus for trade.
- Crop Diversification : Horticulture encourages diversification, reducing dependency on specific crops and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Financial Empowerment :
- Income Generation : Horticulture generates income for farmers, empowering them financially and improving their living standards.
- Market Expansion : Access to wider markets for horticultural products boosts farmers’ income and encourages entrepreneurship.
Environmental Sustainability :
- Conservation of Natural Resources : Horticultural practices promote sustainable use of water, soil, and biodiversity, ensuring long-term environmental health.
- Reduced Environmental Impact : Compared to traditional agriculture, horticulture often has a lower environmental footprint, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Promotion of Agro-Industries :
- Processing and Manufacturing : Horticultural products serve as raw materials for various agro-industries, fostering industrial growth.
- Value Addition : Processing horticultural produce adds value, leading to higher profits for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Government Initiatives and Achievements
Prominent Horticulture Schemes :
- Fruit Belt Development : Establishment of fruit belts focusing on Mango, Guava, and Gooseberry cultivation enhances productivity and creates specialized agricultural zones.
- National Horticulture Mission : Expansion programs covering fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and medicinal crops promote horticultural development in 45 districts.
- Micro Irrigation : Implementation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems optimizes water usage, ensuring efficient horticultural crop irrigation.
Educational and Research Institutions :
- Training Centres :Establishment of training centres in districts like Basti, Saharanpur, and Lucknow equips farmers with modern horticultural techniques.
- Research Initiatives : Research institutions like the Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow contribute to innovation and knowledge dissemination.
Production and Market Ranking :
- Fruit Production : Uttar Pradesh ranks 3rd in fruit production in India, showcasing its potential in horticulture.
- Market Presence : Despite challenges, the state maintains significant market presence in fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and honey production.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Challenges :
- Awareness and Training : Lack of awareness among farmers about modern horticultural practices necessitates extensive training programs.
- Infrastructure : Insufficient infrastructure, including cold storage facilities and transportation, hampers the growth of horticulture-based industries.
Future Prospects :
- Innovative Farming Practices : Encourage farmers to adopt innovative practices such as vertical farming and hydroponics for sustainable horticultural production.
- Investment in Infrastructure : Government investments in infrastructure, including cold chains and processing units, can significantly boost the horticulture sector.
Sustainable Agriculture Practices :
- Organic Farming : Promote organic farming methods, aligning with global demand for chemical-free produce.
- Water Management : Emphasize efficient water management techniques, including rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, to ensure sustainable water use.
Conclusion
Horticulture in Uttar Pradesh stands as a cornerstone for economic development, employment generation, and environmental conservation. Through strategic government initiatives, educational advancements, and a focus on sustainable practices, the state can further enhance its horticultural sector, ensuring prosperity for farmers and contributing significantly to the overall development of the region.
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