Growth of horticulture sector in Karnataka-post reform period

This paper focuses on the growth of horticulture sector in Karnataka during the post reform period from 1992–93 to 2010–11. Empirical results reveal that the rate of change in area under horticulture crops showed gradual variations in a positive direction during the period as compared with the significant variations in food crops viz., pulses, cereals and oil seeds and so on. District level analysis results demonstrated highest area in Tumkur district, followed by Hassan, and Kolar. It is important to note that area under horticulture crops shows a gradual decline in drought prone Kolar district during the recent period. The contribution to the total horticultural production was higher from vegetable and fruits in spite of lower area. Overall, the results show a significant shift towards horticulture sector in the state with an increase in area, production and exports as well. Interestingly, Herfindahl Diversification Index values revealed that the state is moving towards diversification at the faster rate. The results of the study provide a useful insight to the policy makers in developing appropriate policies options considering the changes in the area, production and exports, aiming at increasing the share of horticulture sector.