UP Eyes Global Fruit Export Hub as Shivraj Unveils Roadmap
Centre pushes quality, zero rejection and export infrastructure at Fruit Horizon 2026
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlines fruit export roadmap
- Focus shifts from production to quality and shelf life
- Clean Plant Centre to be developed in Lucknow
- Task force to prepare action plan for farmers’ income growth
GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 7th May: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said Uttar Pradesh is poised to emerge as a major hub for premium fruit production and exports, as the Centre unveiled an ambitious roadmap for India’s horticulture sector at the “Fruit Horizon 2026” conference in Lucknow.
Addressing stakeholders at the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Chouhan stressed that India must now move beyond merely increasing production and focus on quality, shelf life, processing, logistics and global export standards.
“Agriculture can no longer remain confined to farms alone. The entire value chain—from production to processing and exports—must be strengthened,” he said.
The minister emphasised that premium-quality fruits with “zero rejection” standards would be crucial for India to become globally competitive in horticulture exports.
To boost farmers’ income, the government announced the formation of a joint task force involving ICAR institutions, exporters, APEDA and other agencies. The panel will prepare a time-bound action plan to address challenges in production and exports.
Chouhan also announced that a modern Clean Plant Centre would be established at CISH Lucknow under the Clean Planting Material Programme. The facility will develop disease-free and genetically pure planting materials for fruits including mango, guava, litchi and avocado.
The conference highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in connecting small farmers with export markets.
Officials said export-oriented clusters and post-harvest infrastructure are also being strengthened in Uttar Pradesh, particularly around the upcoming Noida International Airport, to improve logistics and global market access.
The event was attended by farmers, exporters, scientists, nursery operators and representatives from the fruit processing industry, along with Uttar Pradesh ministers Surya Pratap Shahi and Dinesh Pratap Singh.
