International Horti Expo

India's growing horticultural sector has entered a revolutionary phase. On the one hand, small farmers take greater risks and experiment with various cash crops, and on the other hand, large companies have chosen horticulture as a profitable business opportunity by providing investment and the latest technology. Corporate farming, contract farming, and the boom in food retailing have become the buzz words of the day, and the whole horticultural landscape is set to undergo a big change.

Agriculture, with its related sectors, including horticulture, is undoubtedly the largest provider of livelihoods in India, especially in the vast rural areas. It also contributes significantly to gross domestic product (GDP). Sustainable agriculture, in terms of food security, rural employment and environmentally sustainable technologies such as soil conservation, sustainable management of natural resources and protection of biodiversity, is essential for holistic rural development.

Monoculture is the traditional practice of Indian agriculture. However, this did not lead to long-term achievable results. Emphasis is now placed on crop diversification, by adopting alternative farming methods. The most crucial sector in this regard is horticulture.