About Us

Uttarakhand State was carved out of the state of Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000 and is divided into two broad regions–Garhwal and Kumaon. It comprises of 13 districts with total geographical area of 5.35 million ha, of which 4.6 million ha (86%) is hilly area and 0.74 million ha(14%) is plain area. Human population of the State is 100.08 lakhs with density of 189 persons per square kilometer and about seventy per cent population is rural. Net area sown is about 14 per cent of the total geographical area. The area under forests is 61 per cent. Culturable waste lands and fallow lands account for about 7 per cent. Pastures and grazing lands are 4.0 per cent of the reported geographic area. The average farm size is 0.80 hectares.

About 53% of the cultivated area is rainfed and irrigated area is about 47 per cent of the net area sown, of which about 86 % is in plains and 14 % is in hills. Cropping intensity is about 158 percent. Maize, rice and pulses are dominant Kharif crops while wheat and barley are important Rabi crops. Important cash crops are potato, ginger and off-season vegetables.

Horticulture is very important component of Uttarakhand’s economy. Tropical fruits which are grown in the state are litchi, mango, guava aonla and citrus, temperate fruits are apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot and walnut. Animal husbandry is an important and vital sector and about 90 percent of households keep livestock in the state. Horticulture plays a vital role in the economic development of the state. This sector is the biggest source of income in the state’s economy. The creditability of horticultural crops including; fruits, vegetables, floriculture, spices, mushroom and medicinal & aromatic plants; has been well established in improving productivity of land, generating employment, improving economic conditions of the farmers and entrepreneurs, enhancing exports and above all providing nutritional security to the people.

The climatic conditions of the hills are most suitable for the growth and development of not only the various types of quality apples but also a variety of other fruits including pears, peach, plums, apricots, cherry, strawberry, and various varieties of wild herbs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttarakhand is to ensure sustainable and holistic development of the horticulture sector by adopting an area-based cluster approach towards developing regionally differentiated crops.

They are agro climatically most suitable for the region/area for enhancing the production and productivity of various horticulture crops.

Production of Planting Material

One of the most important reasons for the low productivity is unavailability of superior quality planting material. To make mission efforts successful, main objective of the programme is to produce true to type, disease free, healthy planting material suitable for subtropical and temperate climatic conditions.

Establishment of New Gardens (Area Expansion)

Emphasis has been laid on efficient land utilization. Focus crops with current markets have been targeted. Area expansion of new plantations of different fruit crops, vegetables, spices and flowers was done in various locations.

Rejuvenation

In Uttarakhand, most orchards of apple, litchi, mango and citrus are senile and unproductive, causing low yield and poor quality. Rejuvenation of these old orchards will enhance productivity and quality significantly.

Creation of Water Resources

Poor irrigation facilities are a major factor for low productivity in hilly districts. Creation of water resources and community tanks will support drip and sprinkler systems. Rainwater harvesting tanks and bore wells in plains will help irrigate flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Protected Cultivation

Establishment of new polyhouses and shade net houses protects plants from harsh weather and pests. This ensures higher yields and quality produce. Anti-hail nets are used to safeguard fruits from damage.

Pollination Support through Bee Keeping

About 85% of crops are cross-pollinated and depend on honey bees. The Department promotes beekeeping to enhance pollination and honey production — offering dual benefits of increased crop yield and income for farmers.

Horticulture Mechanization

To reduce manual labor and increase efficiency, modern power-operated machines and tools like power saws and plant protection equipment are provided to farmers along with training.

Human Resource Development (HRD)

Training plays a vital role in skill upgradation and technology transfer. Programmes include nursery management, protected cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest management, and processing. Gardeners’ training centres are also proposed.

Post-Harvest Management (PHM), Marketing and Processing Infrastructure

The focus is shifting from area expansion to post-harvest management, marketing, and processing through pre-cooling units, pack houses, ripening chambers, cold and CA storages.