Agricultural Research Journal

India, a leading global producer of cereals, has also emerged as a key player in horticulture, contributing approximately 9.62% to global horticultural output and ranking second only to China. The horticulture sector has played a significant role in the national economy, accounting for nearly 33% of agricultural GDP in 2019-20. To foster holistic development in this domain, the Government of India launched the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), a strategic initiative with a particular emphasis on fruits and vegetables-critical components of a nutritious diet in a rapidly growing population. The NHM facilitated marked improvements in both the cultivated area and productivity of fruit crops. Between 2011 and 2015, significant yield gains were recorded, with banana production experiencing a remarkable 118.94% increase, driven primarily by productivity enhancements rather than mere area expansion or interaction effects. These gains contributed to reduced volatility in trade dynamics for both fresh and processed fruits, thereby supporting a more stable trade balance and bolstering economic resilience. However, despite the NHM’s achievements across several states, substantial gaps persist in infrastructure, particularly in communication networks, storage capacity, and affordable processing facilities. Addressing these challenges is imperative to ensure equitable dissemination of benefits and to maximize the mission’s long-term impact nationwide.