Despite over 42 per cent land areas suffered drought like situation last year, the country’s total horticulture production is estimated to rise marginally to 314.87 million tonne in the 2018-19 crop year, which is 1.01 per cent higher than the year 2017-18. The area under horticulture crop also rose to 25.6 million hectare from 25.43 million hectare. Under the horticulture crops, production of fruits is estimated to be around 97.38 million tonnes in 2018-19 compared to 97.36 million tonnes in the previous year. Interestingly, mango production is projected to be lower despite higher cultivation this year.
According to agriculture ministry, vegetables production is estimated to rise 1.6 per cent at around 187.36 million tonnes. Among vegetables, onion Production is estimated to be around 23.28 million tonnes, slightly higher than production in 2017-18. Potato production is estimated to be around 52.96 million tonnes, which is 3.2 per cent higher than 2017-18. Tomato production is estimated to be around 19.66 million tonnes, which is 0.5 per cent lower than 2017-18.
Agriculture Ministry official said that horticulture production stood at 311.71 million tonne in the previous year. As per the data, spices Production is estimated to be around 8.61 million tonnes, which is 6.01 per cent higher than 2017-18. As far as fruits production is projected, mango production is expected to be lower at 20955 metric tonnes (MT) as compared to 21822 mt last year. Pear is projected to be lower from 301 MT to 318 MT in 2017-18. Pomegranate also projected to be lower from 2791 MT this year as compared to 2845 MT last year.
As per data, production of Brinjal, Peas, Bitter gourd, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Ladyfinger, Chillies, Cucumber, Mashroom, Parwal have been projected higher as compared to the last year.
The agriculture ministry on Friday released the Second Advanced Estimate (2018-19) of area and production of various horticulture crops. These estimates are based on the information received from different states and Union territories.
Officials of agriculture ministry said that the advance estimates help the government or ministry to come up with a plan in case of shortage of productions.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), about 42 per cent of land area in the country is facing drought, with 6 percent exceptionally dry — four times the spatial extent of drought last year, according to data for the week ending March 26, 2019, from the Drought Early Warning System (DEWS), a real-time drought monitoring platform.
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, parts of the North-East, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are the worst hit. These states are home to 500 million people, almost 40 per cent of the country’s population.