According to the first advance estimates prepared by the Union ministry of agriculture and farmers' welfare, Andhra Pradesh ranked top among all states and the country in terms of fruit production in the 2021-22 fiscal years.
In 2021-22, Andhra Pradesh produced roughly 1.8 crore tons. In Andhra Pradesh, horticultural crops are farmed on over 18 lakh hectares, with fruit plantations covering about 7.5 lakh hectares.
In Andhra Pradesh, the principal fruit crops in terms of quantity produced are mango, banana, papaya, orange, and Batavia.
Over the last few years, there has been a structural shift in the state's cropping patterns. Horticulture is expanding at a quicker rate than agriculture, making AP a major horticulture hub.
Fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and plantation crops are all part of this industry. Horticulture products are also exported to other countries.
Officials claim that the returns from horticulture per unit of land are higher than those from agriculture.
This is due to horticulture being a climate-resilient option that entails less risk and provides farmers with greater revenue.
Overall, the agrarian state of Andhra Pradesh is moving away from traditional agricultural output and toward a value-added platform. Horticulture has also proven to be an important component of the state's food and nutritional security.
The horticulture sector has been highlighted by the state government as one of the primary growth engines in the state's economic development.
M Venkateswarulu, additional director of the department of horticulture, stated that Andhra Pradesh's horticulture sector is growing at a rate of 12% per year, placing it top in the country.
"From extension services to fruit-care activities to farmer capacity building, application of cutting-edge technology, and post-harvest management, the department is taking every step it can to increase the scope and production.
The department is improving infrastructure and establishing commercial connections to markets for farmers "Venkateswarulu stated.
