Fruit Horizon 2026: Shivraj Singh Calls for Shift from Quantity to Quality in Horticulture Sector

Speaking at the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed that simply increasing agricultural output will no longer be sufficient if India wants to establish itself as a major global supplier of premium fruits.

India's horticulture sector is set for a major strategic transformation as Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for a decisive shift from production-focused farming toward quality-driven, export-oriented fruit cultivation capable of competing in global markets.

Addressing the Fruit Horizon 2026 conference organised at the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) in Lucknow, the Union Minister said India's future agricultural growth will increasingly depend on strengthening the entire horticulture value chain — from scientific cultivation and post-harvest management to processing, logistics and exports.

The conference brought together farmers, exporters, scientists, nursery operators, FPO representatives and stakeholders from India's fruit processing and horticulture ecosystem to discuss the future of India's fruit economy and export competitiveness.

"Production Alone Is No Longer Enough"

Speaking at the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed that simply increasing agricultural output will no longer be sufficient if India wants to establish itself as a major global supplier of premium fruits.

"India must now work seriously on quality, shelf life, processing, logistics and export standards to establish a strong identity in the global fruit market," the Minister said.

He emphasized that agriculture can no longer remain confined solely to farm-level production and must evolve into an integrated value-chain-driven economic ecosystem.

According to the Minister, the future of Indian agriculture will depend heavily on:

• export competitiveness

• premium-quality produce

• modern processing infrastructure

• cold-chain systems

• global-standard packaging

• efficient logistics

• value-added products

India Seeking Stronger Presence in Global Fruit Trade

India is among the world's largest producers of fruits and vegetables, yet its share in global horticulture exports remains comparatively modest due to challenges relating to:

• quality consistency

• shelf-life limitations

• post-harvest losses

• logistics inefficiencies

• export compliance issues

• phytosanitary standards

Officials say improving quality standards and reducing rejection rates in export markets have become critical national priorities.

Shri Chouhan stressed that improving fruit quality and aligning production systems with international standards will be essential if Indian fruits are to compete effectively in global markets.

He specifically highlighted the need to improve:

• shelf life

• export handling quality

• post-harvest management

• traceability systems

• premium-grade production

Task Force to Focus on Farmer Income and Export Challenges

One of the key announcements made during the conference was the formation of a multi-agency task force aimed at addressing bottlenecks in horticulture production and exports.

The proposed task force will include participation from:

• ICAR scientific institutions

• exporters

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

• government agencies

• horticulture stakeholders

According to officials, the task force will work on:

• resolving challenges faced by fruit producers and exporters

• preparing time-bound action plans

• improving market linkages

• strengthening export readiness

• enhancing farmer income

The initiative reflects the Government's increasing focus on integrating scientific research with market-driven agricultural strategies.

Uttar Pradesh to Become Major Hub Under Clean Plant Mission

A major focus of the conference was the Government's Clean Planting Material Programme aimed at improving the quality and disease resistance of horticulture crops.

Shri Chouhan announced that Uttar Pradesh will receive major support under the initiative through the establishment of a modern Clean Plant Centre at CISH Lucknow.

The centre will focus on developing and conserving:

• disease-free planting material

• genetically pure fruit crop varieties

• high-quality horticulture germplasm

Fruit crops targeted under the programme include:

• mango

• guava

• litchi

• avocado

Officials say access to clean and genetically superior planting material is essential for improving productivity, export quality and disease resilience in horticulture farming.

Push for "Zero Rejection" Premium Fruit Exports

The Union Minister strongly emphasized the importance of achieving "zero rejection" standards in export markets.

India has often faced challenges in international horticulture trade due to rejection of consignments linked to:

• quality issues

• pesticide residues

• quarantine concerns

• inconsistent grading

• post-harvest damage

Shri Chouhan said India must now focus on producing premium-quality fruits capable of meeting the strictest international standards.

He highlighted the importance of:

• modern technology adoption

• pack houses

• processing facilities

• irradiation systems

• export-grade handling infrastructure

• scientifically designed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The Minister noted that global competitiveness will increasingly depend on India's ability to maintain consistent quality throughout the supply chain.

FPOs and Clusters Seen as Key to Transformation

The conference also highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Self-Help Groups in integrating small farmers into high-value domestic and international markets.

According to Shri Chouhan:

• FPOs can help aggregate produce

• collective marketing can improve bargaining power

• small farmers can gain better access to export channels

• shared infrastructure can reduce costs

The Government has increasingly promoted FPOs as a central pillar of agricultural market reforms and rural income enhancement.

Export-Oriented Clusters Being Developed

Officials at the conference also highlighted ongoing efforts by the National Horticulture Board to establish export-oriented horticulture clusters across the country.

These clusters are expected to focus on:

• specialised fruit production zones

• integrated cold-chain infrastructure

• irradiation facilities

• processing ecosystems

• export logistics systems

Special emphasis is being placed on Uttar Pradesh due to its large horticulture potential and emerging logistics advantages.

Jewar Airport to Strengthen Horticulture Exports

One of the most strategically significant developments discussed during the conference was the role of Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport) in transforming horticulture exports from northern India.

Officials said strengthening:

• integrated post-harvest infrastructure

• modern irradiation systems

• cold-chain logistics

around the airport could significantly improve export efficiency for perishable agricultural products.

The airport is expected to become a major logistics gateway for high-value agricultural exports including fruits, vegetables and processed food products.

Experts believe improved air cargo connectivity could substantially reduce transit times and post-harvest losses for exporters.

Horticulture Emerging as Major Growth Driver

India's horticulture sector has increasingly emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of Indian agriculture.

Rising domestic demand, export opportunities and diversification away from traditional crops have made horticulture central to future agricultural policy discussions.

Industry experts say India's horticulture sector has significant untapped potential in:

• processed fruit products

• premium fresh fruit exports

• organic horticulture

• value-added agri-products

• global retail supply chains

However, achieving international competitiveness will require sustained investment in infrastructure, quality systems and supply-chain modernization.

Scientists, Exporters and Farmers Join National Dialogue

The Fruit Horizon 2026 conference saw participation from a broad cross-section of stakeholders including:

• farmers

• scientists

• exporters

• nursery operators

• fruit processing companies

• FPO representatives

• policymakers

Senior Uttar Pradesh ministers Shri Surya Pratap Shahi and Shri Dinesh Pratap Singh were also present alongside senior officials and researchers.

The event is being viewed as part of a broader national effort to reposition Indian horticulture from volume-driven production toward high-value global competitiveness.