Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], December 29 : Gujarat's horticulture sector continues to emerge as a powerful driver of agricultural growth, strengthened by progressive policies, advanced farming practices, and increasing farmer participation. This sustained progress sets an encouraging backdrop for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2026 in Rajkot, which will spotlight regional achievements and create new pathways for agricultural innovation and growth.
According to the Director of Horticulture, Government of Gujarat, in 2023-24, Gujarat ranked first in the country in the area under okra cultivation and in okra production. Okra cultivation in Gujarat covers approximately 93,955 hectares, yielding a total production of 11.68 lakh tonnes. Within this, the Saurashtra-Kutch region accounts for about 15% of the cultivated area and nearly 13% of the total production. In 2024-25, okra was grown across 12 districts of Saurashtra and Kutch, covering approximately 14,000 hectares and producing nearly 1.5 lakh tonnes.
The state contributed 7.66 per cent to India's total vegetable production during 2024-25. In the same year, the Kutch and Saurashtra region achieved notable success in cultivation, covering 2,32,584 hectares and producing 47,91,504 metric tonnes. A productivity level of 20.60 metric tonnes per hectare reflects enhanced farmer efficiency, adoption of improved farming practices, and strengthened agri-infrastructure that continues to support the region's growth.
Horticultural crops have become integral to enhancing the state's agricultural output. A growing number of farmers are shifting toward horticulture due to higher productivity and improved returns per hectare. Owing to the State Government's proactive measures and supportive policies, horticultural crops are now cultivated on nearly 20 per cent of the total agricultural area, underscoring their growing significance in Gujarat's farming landscape.
Gujarat's Department of Horticulture is implementing multiple State incentive schemes along with Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as MIDH/NHM (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture/National Horticulture Mission). These include targeted interventions such as area-based cluster development, protected cultivation, post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure, clean plant material initiatives, and capacity-building programmes. Under MIDH, farmers and FPOs receive subsidies for hi-tech horticulture and polyhouses, packhouses, grading and packing lines, training programmes, area-based initiatives, market linkages, outreach, and demonstrations.
This strong performance comes at an important moment as Gujarat prepares to host the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Kutch and Saurashtra in Rajkot in January 2026. Alongside the conference, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE) will take place at the same venue in January 2026. VGRC will reaffirm the State Government's commitment to balanced regional development and provide a dedicated platform to showcase achievements and unlock new investment opportunities across sectors vital to the Saurashtra-Kutch region.
VGRC 2026 will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, global experts, innovators, and stakeholders from across India and abroad. Through focused sectoral sessions, exhibitions, and collaborative forums, the conference will highlight how Saurashtra and Kutch are positioned to lead the next phase of agricultural advancement and sustainable growth.