Fruit production increase 190% in MP

Bhopal. Fruit production in Madhya Pradesh grew by 190 percent during first four years of the 11th Plan, as area under horticulture crops has grown rapid during the last one decade. Horticulture crops were grown in only 403 thousand hectare area during year 2001-02. It has gone up by 104 percent to 823 thousand hectares during year 2010-11.
Rs. 321 crore was sanctioned for horticulture in Madhya Pradesh during 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12). Against it, Rs. 6010.60 lakh was spent in year 2007-08, Rs. 9552.35 lakh in 2008-09 and Rs. 9841.62 lakh in 2009-10.
Expenditure of Rs. 16320.07 lakh is estimated during the last year 2010-11 against sanctioned funds of Rs. 15014.54 lakh.
Of horticulture crops, spices are grown in maximum 44.4 percent area spices followed by vegetables (34.5 percent area) and fruits (16 percent areas).
Compared to 10th Five-Year Plan (2002-07), horticulture area witnessed considerable growth in the 11th Five-Year Plan. Upto 30 percent decline in fruit production was registered during the first two years of 10th Five-Year Plan whereas fruit production grew by 190 percent during first four years of the 11th Plan.
Production of various horticulture crops increased considerably from 2007 to 2010. During the period, production of spices rose by 19.05 percent, vegetables 143 percent and fruits 189.97 percent.
A new scheme has been started for growing hybrid vegetables in 13211.70 hectare area and extension of vegetable area during year 2011-12.