The horticulture sector in Telangana is thriving and contributing to economic growth. The sector covers 12.94 lakh acres of land and produces 61.64 lakh MTs of crops. Even though it only occupies 7 percent of the total agriculture area, it contributes 34 percent to the Agriculture Gross Value Output (GVO). Horticulture is known for producing high-quality crops like chillies, turmeric, mangoes, and vegetables.
After Telangana was formed, the government made the horticulture sector a priority and introduced various subsidy programmes to support it. These programmes include the NMEO-Oil palm, Per Drop More Crop (PDMC – RKVY) for micro-irrigation, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Bamboo Mission (NBM), and Sub-Mission on Agro-Forestry (SMAF). Farmers also have access to training and demonstration opportunities through Centres of Excellence (COEs) in Jeedimetla and Mulugu.
Under the RKVY scheme, Pandal cultivation has become popular, covering 4,564 acres and benefiting 3,945 farmers with financial support of Rs 45.54 crore. Urban farming initiatives have encouraged households to cultivate vegetables in backyards and terraces, with over 5,900 kits distributed to 4,330 households. The National Bamboo Mission focuses on increasing bamboo plantation in non-forest lands, with 2.21 lakh bamboo plants distributed. The Sub-Mission on Agro-Forestry promotes tree plantation alongside crops and livestock, benefiting 1,064 farmers with 7.61 lakh plantations.
Telangana participates in the Cluster Development Programme, with Mahabubnagar district selected as a pilot cluster for mango cultivation. This initiative addresses various aspects of the horticulture value chain, and Prasad Seeds Pvt Ltd has been accepted as the Implementing Agency for the Mahabubnagar Mango Cluster.
The horticulture sector in Telangana has also diversified from traditional to market-driven fruit crops and promoted new technologies. New varieties of fruit crops like mango, guava, citrus, pomegranate, and custard apple have been introduced. New fruit crops suitable for Telangana, such as apple ber, date palm, and dragon fruit, have also been encouraged. New technologies and best practices like high-density plantations in mango, trellises, creeper mesh for vegetables, mulching, raised bed, poly house, and shade net have also been introduced.
