Mon Dec 29 23:54:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Gujarat has emerged as India’s leading okra producer, particularly in the Saurashtra-Kutch region. This growth is attributed to government initiatives, improved farming practices, and farmers shifting to horticulture for better returns. The success positions the region favorably ahead of the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2026 in Rajkot, which aims to further boost agricultural innovation and investment.

News Article:

Gujarat Emerges as India’s Okra Powerhouse Ahead of VGRC 2026

Ahmedabad, December 30, 2025 – Gujarat has cemented its position as the leading okra producer in India, driven by the flourishing horticulture sector in the Saurashtra-Kutch region. The region’s agricultural success is especially noteworthy as Gujarat prepares to host the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2026 in Rajkot next month.

According to the Director of Horticulture, Gujarat led the nation in both okra cultivation area and production during 2023–24, with 11.68 lakh tonnes harvested from 93,955 hectares. The Saurashtra-Kutch region accounted for a significant portion of this output, demonstrating its growing influence in the state’s agricultural landscape. In 2024-25 okra cultivation expanded across 12 districts of Saurashtra and Kutch, covering around 14,000 hectares and yielding close to 1.5 lakh tonnes.

This surge in horticulture is credited to proactive government policies like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), which provide subsidies and support for hi-tech farming, infrastructure development, and farmer training. Farmers are increasingly shifting from traditional crops to horticulture due to higher productivity and better returns per hectare.

The VGRC 2026 in Rajkot, coupled with the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE), is expected to attract policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to further explore investment opportunities and showcase the region’s potential for agricultural innovation and sustainable growth. Officials anticipate that the conference will highlight how Saurashtra and Kutch are poised to lead the next phase of agricultural development in India.

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