Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed the two-day conference ‘Fruit Horizon 2026’ in Lucknow, emphasizing the need to boost fruit production, improve quality, and strengthen food processing infrastructure.
India’s Fruit Production and Export Potential
Chouhan noted that India is among the world’s leading producers of several fruits, particularly mangoes, but the country’s export potential remains underutilized. “Whether it is mangoes, grapes, bananas, or litchis, India is among the major producers. We produce mangoes in unmatched quantity and quality. However, our exports are still relatively low,” the minister said, stressing the need to increase export potential.
Government’s Vision for International Markets
The minister asserted that the government wants Indian fruits and vegetables to achieve a larger presence in international markets. “If exports of our fruits and vegetables rise, farmers’ income will increase, employment opportunities will expand, and the country will earn more foreign exchange,” he explained.
Chouhan added that the government is working to resolve issues faced by farmers and exporters. While some challenges can be addressed immediately, others would require long-term research and policy support, he said.
Collaborative Platform for Sector Growth
The event brought together farmers, exporters, food processors, and institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on a common platform to discuss challenges facing the sector and explore solutions. The conference aims to create a roadmap for enhancing India’s fruit production and export capabilities, ultimately benefiting the agricultural economy.
