International Journal of Innovative Horticulture
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue: 1

Bioeconomy in horticulture for profit optimisation and improved livelihood

1Confederation of Horticultrue Associations of India, New Delhi, 110012, India

2Niti Ayog, New Delhi, 1110012, India

3Division of Vegetable Science, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India

*Corresponding author email: confedhorti@gmail.com

Online published on 4 June, 2025.

Abstract

The integration of bioeconomy principles into horticulture presents a transformative opportunity to reorient the sector toward sustainability, profitability, and inclusiveness. By harnessing renewable biological resources, circular production systems, and cutting-edge innovations, horticulture can evolve beyond conventional, input-intensive models into regenerative and climate-resilient enterprises. This paper examines the strategic pillars of a horticultural bioeconomy, including sustainable resource management, circular economy approaches, renewable energy adoption, product diversification, and technology-led innovation, and demonstrates how these elements converge to redefine the future of horticulture. Drawing on field-level evidence and practical applications, the study highlights successful case studies such as coconut-based integrated farming systems and banana cultivation in India, illustrating how bioeconomy-aligned models can improve farm incomes, enhance ecological balance, and strengthen rural livelihoods. The paper concludes with insights on scaling these interventions through supportive policies, capacity-building, and institutional convergence.

Keywords

Bioeconomy, Circular economy, Climate resilience, Horticulture, India, Livelihood, Product diversification, Renewable energy