October 10, 2025 | Times of India |
Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University has launched the Horticulture Perspective Plan 2035, a long-term strategy to diversify crop cultivation and boost Telangana’s horticultural productivity. Unveiled before Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the plan aims to reduce overproduction of traditional fruits like mango and sweet orange — which often cause market gluts — and promote high-value alternatives with better export and commercial prospects.
The plan envisions bringing 1.32 lakh additional acres under fruit crops such as guava, papaya, banana, pomegranate, dragon fruit, grapes, and date palm. Adoption of advanced technologies could add ₹1,341 crore annually to the state’s gross value added (GVA).
For vegetables, the plan targets 2.45 lakh acres of expansion for crops like tomato, brinjal, onion, potato, okra, and leafy greens. Cultivation will follow a cluster-based, year-round model using shade nets, protected farming, and weather-based advisories.
To help small farmers, the plan recommends custom hiring centers at the mandal level, and focuses on developing climate-resilient hybrids and high-yielding varieties tolerant to stress. Telangana, already a leader in turmeric, ginger, and chrysanthemum, aims to close a projected fruit demand shortfall — from 4.53 lakh tons in 2025 to 5.09 lakh tons by 2035 — through scientific cultivation and diversification.
