The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Agriculture Ministry’s second advance estimates for 2023-24, released on June 4, reveal an increase in fruit output while vegetable production has declined. These estimates are based on data received from states, union territories, and other government sources.
The highlights of the estimates are as follows: The total horticulture production in the country for 2023-24 is projected to be about 352.23 million tonnes, representing a decrease of approximately 32.51 lakh tonnes (0.91 percent) compared to the final estimates of 2022-23.
Fruits, honey, flowers, plantation crops, spices, aromatics, and medicinal plants are expected to see increased production. In contrast, vegetable production is anticipated to decline. The production of fruits is forecasted to reach 112.63 million tonnes, primarily due to increased yields of bananas, lime/lemon, mango, guava, and grapes. However, the production of apples and pomegranates is expected to decrease compared to 2022-23.
Vegetable production is estimated to be around 204.96 million tonnes. While increases are expected in the production of bottle gourd, bitter gourd, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, tapioca, carrot, and tomato, decreases are anticipated in onion, potato, brinjal, and other vegetables. Specifically, onion production is expected to be 242.12 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, down from 302.08 lakh tonnes last year, a significant decrease of about 60 lakh tonnes.
Potato production is projected to be around 567.62 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, a decrease of approximately 34 lakh tonnes, mainly due to lower production in Bihar and West Bengal. In contrast, tomato production is expected to be around 212.38 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, up from around 204.25 lakh tonnes last year, marking an increase of 3.98 percent.