Representational file picture. , Picture Credit score: H. Vibhu
Gujarat has emerged because the nation’s main producer of okra, with the Saurashtra–Kutch area more and more positioning itself as a serious development engine for horticulture forward of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Convention (VGRC) 2026 to be held in Rajkot, officers stated on Monday (December 29, 2025).
Based on the Director of Horticulture, Gujarat, the State ranked first in India throughout 2023–24 each when it comes to space below okra cultivation and general manufacturing. Okra was cultivated throughout 93,955 hectares in Gujarat, with a complete manufacturing of 11.68 lakh tonnes. Of this, the Saurashtra–Kutch area accounted for almost 15 per cent of the cultivated space and about 13% of whole manufacturing.
In 2024–25, okra cultivation expanded throughout 12 districts of Saurashtra and Kutch, overlaying round 14,000 hectares and yielding near 1.5 lakh tonnes, underlining the area’s rising significance within the State’s horticulture panorama.
Gujarat contributed 7.66% to India’s whole vegetable manufacturing throughout 2024–25. In the identical yr, the Saurashtra–Kutch area recorded cultivation throughout 2.32 lakh hectares, producing 47.91 lakh metric tonnes of horticultural output. Productiveness stood at 20.60 metric tonnes per hectare, reflecting improved farming practices, higher agri-infrastructure, and better effectivity amongst farmers.
Horticulture has develop into a big contributor to Gujarat’s agricultural development, with an growing variety of farmers shifting from conventional crops resulting from larger productiveness and higher returns per hectare. Backed by proactive authorities insurance policies, horticultural crops are actually grown on almost 20 per cent of the State’s whole agricultural space.
The Division of Horticulture is implementing a number of State incentive schemes together with Centrally Sponsored Schemes such because the Mission for Built-in Growth of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Nationwide Horticulture Mission (NHM). These initiatives give attention to area-based cluster growth, protected cultivation, post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure, clear planting materials, and capacity-building packages. Below MIDH, farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) obtain subsidies for hi-tech horticulture, polyhouses, packhouses, grading and packing items, coaching, demonstrations, and market linkages.
The robust efficiency comes as Gujarat prepares to host the VGRC for Kutch and Saurashtra in Rajkot in January 2026. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE) may also be held alongside the convention. The occasion goals to focus on regional achievements, promote balanced growth, and open new avenues for funding in sectors important to the Saurashtra–Kutch area.
“VGRC 2026 is anticipated to deliver collectively policymakers, trade leaders, world consultants, innovators, and different stakeholders. By sector-focused classes, exhibitions, and collaborative platforms, the convention will showcase how Saurashtra and Kutch are poised to guide the following part of agricultural innovation and sustainable development,” officers stated.
Printed – December 30, 2025 05:24 am IST