Lucknow: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled a fruit export roadmap at the “Fruit Horizon 2026” conference in Lucknow and stressed the need to improve quality, shelf life and export standards in India’s fruit sector.
Addressing farmers, exporters and horticulture stakeholders at the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Chouhan said increasing production alone would no longer be enough for India to compete in global fruit markets.
He stated that India must focus on premium-quality fruit production, post-harvest management, logistics and processing infrastructure to strengthen exports. According to the Union Minister, agriculture could no longer remain limited to farming activities alone.
Chouhan said the entire value chain, from production to marketing and exports, required stronger integration. He also stressed that Indian fruit production should align with international quality standards.
The Union Minister said the Centre would focus on reducing rejection rates in exports by encouraging premium fruit production and modern technology adoption. He added that better pack houses, processing facilities and export procedures were necessary to improve competitiveness.
Fruit export roadmap focuses on farmers’ income
During the conference, officials decided to form a task force involving ICAR institutions, exporters and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
The task force will prepare a time-bound action plan to resolve issues faced by fruit growers and exporters. Chouhan said the initiative would help increase farmers’ income and strengthen export opportunities.
He also announced that the Centre would strengthen Uttar Pradesh under the Clean Planting Material Programme. A modern Clean Plant Centre is being established at CISH in Lucknow to develop disease-free planting material for crops such as mango, guava, litchi and avocado.
Moreover, Chouhan highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmer Producer Companies and Self-Help Groups in connecting small farmers with export markets.
The conference also discussed export-oriented clusters and post-harvest infrastructure projects linked to Noida International Airport in Jewar. Officials said these initiatives would support Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a major hub for premium fruit exports.
