Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said Uttar Pradesh is poised to emerge as a major hub for premium fruit production and exports, while stressing the need to shift focus from merely increasing output to improving quality, shelf life and global competitiveness.
Addressing the “Fruit Horizon 2026” conference organised at ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow, Chouhan said Indian agriculture can no longer remain confined to farm production alone and must strengthen the entire value chain from processing and logistics to marketing and exports.
He said India must now work seriously on fruit quality, shelf life, processing infrastructure, logistics and export standards to establish a stronger presence in the global fruit market.
Interacting with farmers, exporters and stakeholders from the horticulture sector, the minister said improving fruit quality is essential for India to enhance its position in international markets. The minister added that special emphasis should be placed on maintaining quality during exports and ensuring production aligned with global standards.
Chouhan also announced that a joint task force comprising scientific institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), exporters, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and other agencies would be constituted to address challenges faced by producers and exporters.
The task force will prepare a time-bound action plan aimed at increasing farmers’ income and strengthening the fruit export ecosystem.
Highlighting the Centre’s Clean Planting Material Programme, the Agriculture Minister said a modern Clean Plant Centre is being established at CISH, Lucknow, to develop disease-free and genetically pure planting material for crops such as mango, guava, litchi and avocado.
Further, the Union Minister said India must focus on producing premium-quality fruits with “zero rejection” standards to become globally competitive. He added that the horticulture sector could achieve new heights through modern technology, better post-harvest management, pack houses, processing infrastructure and export-oriented standard operating procedures.
Additionally, Chouhan underlined the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and self-help groups in connecting small farmers with better market access and export opportunities.
According to the programme organisers, the National Horticulture Board is also developing export-oriented clusters and strengthening irradiation and post-harvest infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, particularly around Noida International Airport.
Ministers from the Uttar Pradesh government, including Surya Pratap Shahi and Dinesh Pratap Singh, along with scientists, exporters, nursery operators and FPO representatives, attended the event.
