Rajasthan - Horticulture | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Horticulture of Rajasthan

The horticulture sector in Rajasthan exhibits distinctive features that shape its agricultural landscape:

• 90% of the annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, with significant variations in spatial distribution and yearly patterns.
• Key horticulture fruits cultivated in the region include Mango, Aonla, Pomegranate, Guava, Santra, Kinnu, Ber, and Malta.
• The state boasts a high percentage of registered nurseries, currently standing at 90%.
• As of 2016-17, Rajasthan has installed drip irrigation systems covering an impressive 175,273 hectares.
• Notably, fruits like Kinnow and Santra are exported to countries such as Sri Lanka, England, Malaysia, and Dubai. Additionally, spice crops like Coriander, Ajwain, Cumin, and Fenugreek find markets in Sri Lanka and Dubai. Medicinal crops like Sonamukhi, Mehandi, and Kalonji are also exported to Dubai.
• The horticulture scenario in Rajasthan holds vast potential due to diverse agro-climatic conditions that favor the cultivation of numerous horticultural crops throughout the year. The establishment of a dedicated horticulture department in 1989 underscores the state's commitment to harnessing this potential systematically and sustainably. 
• The primary goal is to enhance the cultivation area, production, and productivity of various horticultural crops, thereby uplifting the nutritional and economic well-being of the state's populace.

Overview of Horticultural Crops in Rajasthan

As of 2016-17, horticultural crops covered approximately 16.29 lakh hectares in Rajasthan, accounting for about 6.26% of the total cropped area of 260 lakh hectares. This included:

Distribution of Area and Production:

• 0.53 lakh hectares dedicated to fruit crops
• 1.70 lakh hectares allocated to vegetable cultivation
• 9.91 lakh hectares utilized for spice production
• 0.03 lakh hectares under flower cultivation
• 4.11 lakh hectares specifically for medicinal and aromatic crops

Production Output
The production levels stood at:

• 9.62 lakh metric tonnes for fruits
• 18.12 lakh metric tonnes for vegetables
• 15.49 lakh metric tonnes for spices
• 0.04 lakh metric tonnes for flowers
• 3.56 lakh metric tonnes for medicinal and aromatic crops

Strengths of Rajasthan in Horticulture

• Mehandi Production: Rajasthan ranks first in Mehandi production, showcasing a strong presence in this sector.
• Coriander Production: The state secured the top position in India for Coriander production in the year 2016-17, reflecting a robust performance in this crop.
• Isabgol Production: Rajasthan leads in Isabgol production, highlighting its significant contribution to this sector.
• Cumin Production: Securing the second position in Cumin Production in 2016-17 underscores the state's proficiency in cultivating this spice.
• Total Spices Production: Rajasthan stood second in total spices production in 2016-17, indicating a diverse range of spice cultivation.
• Citrus Fruits: The state ranks fourth in Mandarin (Oranges) production and is known for producing high-quality Kinnow, showcasing expertise in citrus fruit cultivation.
• Horticultural Development Program: Expansion of the program from 24 to all 33 districts with the aid of Agriculture Extension workers signifies a concerted effort towards horticultural advancement.
• Water Conservation: Emphasis on utilizing limited water resources efficiently through drip system and sprinkler sets demonstrates a commitment to sustainability in agriculture.
• Fruits Orchards Establishment: Over the years, significant areas of fruit orchards have been established, with hectares allocated in different years, fostering fruit cultivation in the state.
• Minikits and Demonstrations: Transparent distribution of minikits and demonstrations to cultivators through a lottery system promotes fairness and knowledge sharing in agriculture.
• Mushroom Production: Rajasthan's focus on mushroom spawn production in laboratories like Durgapura Jaipur and Reni Bagh Kota has led to cultivators growing popular varieties like plaurotus and Agaricus.

Udaipur Division's Agricultural Leadership

Udaipur Division in Rajasthan emerges as a leader in the state for the production of Custard Apple, Mango, Ginger, Ajwain, Turmeric, Aswagandha, and Kalonji.
This division showcases a diverse range of horticultural crops, including:

• Custard Apple: Udaipur Division excels in the production of Custard Apples, contributing significantly to the state's fruit production.
• Mango: Known for its mango cultivation, Udaipur Division produces high-quality mangoes, adding to the state's fruit diversity.
• Ginger, Ajwain, Turmeric: The division's expertise in cultivating these spices enhances the spice production landscape of Rajasthan.
• Aswagandha and Kalonji: Udaipur Division's cultivation of Aswagandha and Kalonji reflects its specialization in medicinal and aromatic plants, enriching the state's agricultural output.

Horticulture Crops in Udaipur Division

• Spice Crops: Red chillies, Methi, Cumin, Fennel, Garlic & Coriander
• Fruits & Vegetables: Tomato, Cauliflower, Brinjal, Okara, Matar, Ridge gourd, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Anola, Lime & Guava
• Other Horticultural Crops: Colocasia, Isabgol & Opium

Major Contributions in 2016-17

• Custard Apple - 94%
• Mango - 35%
• Ginger - 100%
• Ajwain - 84%
• Aswagandha - 99%
• Kalonji - 81%
• Pumpkin - 49%

The Udaipur division significantly contributed to horticulture crop production in the state during 2016-17. It showcased dominance in various crops such as custard apple, mango, ginger, ajwain, aswagandha, kalonji, and pumpkin, each making substantial percentages of the total yield.

Importance of Horticulture in Rajasthan

• Rajasthan holds immense potential for horticulture development, offering increased employment prospects in rural areas. This diversification of the rural economy into agro-processing and related activities is crucial. Recognizing these opportunities, the Directorate of Horticulture was established in 1989-90, aiming to enhance the area, production, and productivity of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants in a systematic manner.
• During the 2016-17 period, a budget of ₹444.92 crore was allocated under the state plan, with ₹119.18 crore utilized by December 2016. Various initiatives were undertaken, including the establishment of fruit orchards across 58 hectares, plant protection measures in 2,812 hectares, and 2,888 demonstrations of vegetable cultivation under state plan schemes.
• One of the primary objectives in Rajasthan is to boost the cultivation of various horticulture crops such as fruits, spices, and flowers across 24 specific districts. These districts include Jaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Chittorgarh, Kota, Baran, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Pali, Jalore, Barmer, Nagaur, Banswara, Tonk, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Bhilwara, Bundi, Jhunjhunu, Sirohi, Jaisalmer, and Sri-Ganganagar.

Key Initiatives Underway

• Investment and Allocations:
  • A total provision of ₹96.20 crore was allocated for this scheme in 2016-17, with ₹52.92 crore as the central share and ₹43.28 crore as the state share.
  • By December 2016, an expenditure of ₹33.94 crore had been utilized, with ₹20.36 crore from the central share and ₹13.58 crore from the state share under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM).
• Orchard Establishment:
  • During this period, orchards spanning 3,288 hectares for fruits and 1,341 hectares for spices were established.
• Pest Management and Infrastructure:
  • A total of 314 hectares were brought under the Integrated Pest Management Programme.
  • 2.79 lakh square meters of land were covered with greenhouses.
  • 157 vermicompost units were set up, enhancing soil fertility.
  • 56 water harvesting structures were constructed by December 2016, aiding in better water management.

National Agro-Forestry and Bamboo Mission (NABM)

• The National Agro-Forestry and Bamboo Mission focused on promoting bamboo cultivation in specific districts including Karauli, Swai Madhopur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Dungarpur, Sirohi, Baran, Jhalawar, Bhilwara, Rajasmand, and Pratapgarh.
• Program Scope:
  • In 2016-17, a budget of ₹2.90 crore was allocated for new bamboo plantations and the maintenance of existing ones.
• However, the Government of India has recently discontinued the scheme, now focusing solely on maintaining the previous year's bamboo plantations.
• These initiatives in Rajasthan aim to revolutionize horticulture practices by enhancing productivity, expanding cultivation areas, and incorporating sustainable practices like integrated pest management and improved infrastructure to support farmers in the region.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) aims to revitalize agricultural investments and development strategies with a focus on agro-climatic conditions, natural resources, and technology. The scheme is designed to comprehensively plan the agriculture sector to ensure sustainable growth and productivity.
• Under the RKVY, the State level sanctioning committee approved a horticulture development project totaling `87.87 crore in the fiscal year 2016-17. By December 2016, `12.72 crore had already been utilized for this initiative.
• Following the establishment of the Directorate of Horticulture in the State, there has been a significant increase in the area under cultivation, as well as improvements in production and productivity levels. These enhancements are evident in the data for fruits, vegetables, and spices.

Key Achievements

• Enhanced Horticulture Development: The introduction of the scheme led to a boost in horticulture projects, fostering growth and development in this sector.
• Increased Investment: RKVY succeeded in reversing the declining trend of investments in agriculture and allied sectors, injecting much-needed funds for sustainable agricultural practices.
• Improved Agricultural Productivity: Through a focus on technology and natural resources, the scheme facilitated an increase in both production and productivity levels across various crops.