Horticulture As an Avenue of Sustainable Agriculture in India

Year : 2025 | Volume : 02 | Issue : 02 | Page : 20 28
    By

    V. Basil Hans,

  • Bharathraj,

  • S. Nejar,

  1. Research Professor, Department of Science, Srinivas University, Mangalore, India
  2. Research Professor, Department of Science, Srinivas University, Mangalore, India
  3. Head & Assistant Professor, Professor, Department of Science, SMS College Brahmavar, Karnataka, India

Abstract

In the face of climate change, soil degradation, and population pressure, sustainable agriculture has become a necessity for India. Within this broader framework, horticulture which includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, spices, plantation crops, flowers, and medicinal plants has emerged as a key pillar of sustainable agricultural practices. With its potential to ensure food and nutritional security, enhance rural livelihoods, and contribute to ecological balance, horticulture holds a strategic position in India’s agricultural transformation. Horticulture has emerged as a crucial component of sustainable agriculture in India, offering a viable solution to the challenges of food security, environmental degradation, and rural livelihood development. Unlike traditional cereal-based farming, horticultural practices are resource efficient, climate-resilient, and economically rewarding, especially for small and marginal farmers. This paper explores the multifaceted role of horticulture in promoting sustainability through increased productivity, enhanced nutritional security, employment generation, and ecological balance. It also highlights key government initiatives and sustainable practices driving the sector forward. Despite challenges such as post-harvest losses and market access, horticulture presents significant potential to transform India’s agricultural landscape into a more resilient and sustainable system

Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, horticulture, climate resilience, nutritional security, rural livelihoods, resource efficiency, post-harvest management

[This article belongs to International Journal of Trends in Horticulture ]

How to cite this article:
V. Basil Hans, Bharathraj, S. Nejar. Horticulture As an Avenue of Sustainable Agriculture in India. International Journal of Trends in Horticulture. 2025; 02(02):20-28.
How to cite this URL:
V. Basil Hans, Bharathraj, S. Nejar. Horticulture As an Avenue of Sustainable Agriculture in India. International Journal of Trends in Horticulture. 2025; 02(02):20-28. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijthc/article=2025/view=233305


References

  • Jha A, Suresh A, Punera B, Supriya P. Growth of horticulture sector in India: Trends and prospects. Indian J Agric Sci. 2018;88(6):866-74. Available from: https://epubs.icar.org.in/ejournal/index.php/IJAgS/article/view/87091/0

  • Malhotra SK. Horticultural crops and climate change: A review. Indian J Agric Sci. 2017;87(1):12-22. Available from: https://ebook.icar.gov.in/index.php/IJAgS/article/view/67138

  • Gogoi B, Sarma PK, Taifa S, Devi R, Prakash N, Handique AK, Gogoi R. Climate resilient agricultural practices: An Indian scenario. J Trop Agric. 2021;59(1):1-11. Available from: https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/1423

  • Ponnusamy K, Shukla R, Kishore R. Studies on sustainable livelihood of farmers in horticulture-based farming systems. Indian J Hortic. 2022;79(3):291-8. Available from: https://journal.iahs.org.in/index.php/ijh/article/view/1529

  • Basa SR, Sahu KK. Impact of horticulture on the livelihood of rural farmers in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. EPRA Int J Res Dev. 2023;8(4):32-9. Available from: https://eprajournals.com/IJIR/article/10115

  • Kumar NK. Achieving livelihood and nutritional security through horticulture in India. Acta Hortic. 2018;1225:21-8. doi:10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1225

  • Ali S, Singh A, Kashyap AS. Vertical farming and urban horticulture in India: Opportunities, challenges, and future prospects. Int J Tradit Herbal Cosmet. 2024;12(1):15-25. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijthc/article%3D2024/view%3D183964/

  • Joshi V. Environmental horticulture: Pathways to sustainability and climate resilience. Int J Tradit Herbal Cosmet. 2024;12(2):30-42. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijthc/article%3D2024/view%3D189360/

  • Sestili S, Rouphael Y, Colla G. Enhancing horticultural sustainability in the face of climate change: Harnessing biostimulants for environmental stress alleviation in crops. Horticulturae. 2024;10(1):23. doi:10.3390/horticulturae10010023

  • Srinivasu K, Reddy P, Rao V. A critical review on fostering community involvement in sustainable horticulture initiatives. J Sci Res Rep. 2023;29(7):45-58. doi:10.9734/jsrr/2023/v29i71515

  • Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Agri exchange statistics: Export of horticultural products from India. Government of India; 2024. Available from: https://apeda.gov.in

  • Government of India. Horticultural Statistics at a Glance 2023. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; 2023. Available from: https://agricoop.gov.in

  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Annual Report 2022–23. New Delhi: ICAR; 2023. Available from: https://icar.org.in

  • NITI Aayog. Post-harvest management and value chain development for fruits and vegetables. Government of India; 2023. Available from: https://www.niti.gov.in

  • National Horticulture Board (NHB). Indian horticulture database. Government of India; 2024. Available from: https://nhb.gov.in

  • Planning Commission of India. Doubling farmers’ income: Role of horticulture. Government of India; 2022. Available from: https://planningcommission.gov.in

  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sustainable Development Goals and agriculture in India: Pathways for inclusive growth. UNDP India; 2023. Available from: https://www.undp.org/india

  • Bakshi P, Singh M, Kour K, Iqbal M, Kumar R, Sarita. Horticulture: A key for sustainable development. In: Mahdi SS, Singh R, editors. Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Development. Cham: Springer; 2022. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-90549-1_11

Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 02
Issue 02
Received 07/09/2025
Accepted 29/09/2025
Published 01/12/2025
Publication Time 85 Days
71

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics