Development of Horticulture is an important initiative towards enhancing farm incomes. It not only reduces risk from traditional agriculture but also provides regular income and more employment. In the post reform period thrust on diversification in agriculture and prospects from export promotion policies led to growth in the production and exports of horticulture produce from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat. Gujarat agriculture has always been commercially oriented. In the post reform period growing demand for vegetables and fruits within the country and exports to other countries gave boost to development of horticulture. Secondary data indicates that at present horticulture has a share of 14 percent in gross cropped area and contributed 20 percent (Rs 15707 crore) to over all farm incomes in the year 2011. In recent years there is a surge in production and exports of various fruits, vegetables and processed food. An attempt is made in the present study to examine the growth and stability in horticulture sector in the state.
