Madhya Pradesh has achieved remarkable progress in the fields of horticulture and food processing in recent years. The demand for the state’s horticultural produce has seen a sharp rise not only across India but also in international markets. This growing demand has directly benefited farmers, significantly boosting their incomes. Today, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a leading national hub for horticulture and food processing.
At the Global Investors Summit held in Bhopal in February 2025, the horticulture sector received investment proposals worth over ₹4,000 crore. These proposals reflect the state’s improvements in quality, innovation, and production capacity.
2019-20, the horticultural crop area stood at 21.75 lakh hectares. By 2023-24, this had increased to 26.91 lakh hectares. Over the last 20 years, the area has grown from 4.67 lakh hectares to 27.71 lakh hectares, and production has surged from 35.40 lakh metric tonnes to 417.89 lakh metric tonnes — marking a historic growth of nearly 1000%.
The state's climate is ideally suited for horticultural crops, and its irrigation infrastructure is superior compared to many other states. The average productivity in Madhya Pradesh is 15.02 tonnes per hectare — 23.21% higher than the national average of 12.19 tonnes per hectare. Compared to food grains, this productivity is nearly five times higher.
106 New Irrigation Projects Proposed: Major water infrastructure projects such as the Ken-Betwa Link, Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Project, and Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Plan are currently underway. For 2025–26, 106 new irrigation projects have been proposed, which are expected to significantly expand the irrigated area.
Under the “Per Drop More Crop” scheme, 22,167 farmers have received ₹130 crore in subsidies for adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, improving irrigation facilities across 26,355 hectares.
Technological Support through Nurseries and Centers of Excellence:
A total of 40 district and e-nurseries in the state have been upgraded with modern technology. An online plant booking portal has also been developed. The Chief Minister has directed the development of new nurseries on vacant government land under the PPP model.
Three Centers of Excellence are being established in Morena, Chhindwara, and Harda. Additionally, a comprehensive potato farming project is being implemented in Morena, and a hi-tech floriculture nursery is being set up in Gwalior at a cost of ₹13 crore.
Leading in Horticultural Production:
Madhya Pradesh ranks first in the country in the production of oranges, garlic, coriander, and ginger. It ranks second in the production of onions, peas, and chilies, and third in the production of flowers, medicinal, and aromatic plants.
Distribution of Horticultural Crop Area:
Marching Towards Global Recognition: Rewa’s 'Sundarja' mango and Ratlam’s 'Riyawan' garlic have received GI (Geographical Indication) tags. Efforts are underway to secure GI tags for 15 more products, including Khargone’s red chili, Jabalpur’s peas, Burhanpur’s bananas, and Seoni’s custard apples.
Leading in Food Processing and Value Addition: Madhya Pradesh’s Department of Food Processing has been operational since 1982. As per the 2014 policy, projects up to ₹25 crore are eligible for 10% capital subsidy (up to a maximum of ₹2.5 crore). Since 2018, 242 food processing units have been established with an investment of ₹85 crore. Under the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) scheme, 11,597 units were set up between 2021–25, with up to 35% credit-linked subsidy being provided.
Read More- Food processing unit for processing horticultural crops in MP
