Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls for focus on quality, shelf life, logistics and exports at “Fruit Horizon 2026” in Lucknow

India is preparing for a major transformation in its fruit and horticulture sector, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as a key hub for premium fruit production, processing and exports.

Addressing the “Fruit Horizon 2026” conference at the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India must now move beyond production-focused agriculture and build a globally competitive fruit ecosystem centred on quality, shelf life, processing, logistics and exports.

The event brought together farmers, exporters, scientists, horticulture experts, FPOs and food processing stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening India’s position in the global fruit trade.

Key Highlights

• Centre pushes roadmap to make India a leading global fruit exporter
• Focus shifts from production volume to premium quality and export readiness
• Task force to be formed involving ICAR, exporters and APEDA
• Uttar Pradesh to receive major support under the Clean Planting Material Program
• New Clean Plant Centre to be developed at CISH Lucknow
• Emphasis on “zero rejection” export-quality fruits
• Export-oriented horticulture clusters and post-harvest infrastructure to be strengthened
• Noida International Airport expected to support fresh produce exports

Quality and Shelf Life Become New Priorities

Speaking at the conference, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed that increasing production alone would no longer guarantee competitiveness in international markets.

He said India must now prioritise:

• Fruit quality
• Shelf life enhancement
• Export-grade production
• Scientific post-harvest handling
• Logistics and cold chain systems

The minister highlighted that agriculture today requires an integrated value-chain approach connecting farms with processing, branding, distribution and exports.

Task Force to Prepare Export-Focused Action Plan

A major outcome of the conference was the decision to establish a joint task force involving:

• Scientific institutions under Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
• Exporters
• Industry stakeholders

The task force will prepare a time-bound action plan aimed at resolving export bottlenecks, improving farmer profitability and enhancing India’s competitiveness in global horticulture markets.

Big Push for Disease-Free Planting Material

The Centre also announced stronger support for Uttar Pradesh under the Clean Planting Material Program.

A modern Clean Plant Centre is being developed at the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture to produce disease-free and genetically pure planting material for fruits such as:

• Mango
• Guava
• Litchi
• Avocado

The initiative is expected to improve productivity, fruit quality and long-term sustainability for horticulture farmers.

Focus on “Zero Rejection” Exports

The government is pushing for premium-quality fruit production aligned with international standards and “zero rejection” benchmarks in export markets.

According to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, India’s horticulture sector can significantly improve global competitiveness through:

• Modern pack houses
• Irradiation facilities
• Processing infrastructure
• Scientific export SOPs
• Advanced post-harvest management systems

FPOs and Jewar Airport to Play Strategic Role

The conference also highlighted the growing role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Self-Help Groups in connecting small farmers to organised markets and export channels.

The National Horticulture Board is currently developing export-oriented horticulture clusters in Uttar Pradesh while strengthening integrated post-harvest infrastructure linked to the upcoming Noida International Airport.

The airport is expected to become a critical logistics gateway for fresh fruit exports and high-value perishables in the coming years.

Hospitality and Food Processing Sector to Benefit

The Centre’s focus on premium horticulture, processing and export-ready fruit supply chains is likely to benefit India’s hospitality, foodservice and processed food industries.

Improved fruit quality, longer shelf life and stronger cold-chain infrastructure could enhance sourcing for hotels, restaurants, premium retail and beverage brands while supporting India’s ambitions in global agri-food exports.