India’s horticulture output hits record 377.78 million tonnes for 2025-26

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reported record horticulture production of 377.78 million tonnes for 2025-26, with fruit output rising 3.25 per cent to 121.48 million tonnes. Banana, mango, papaya, apple and guava led the increase. The non-alcoholic beverages market, valued at $14.95 billion in 2024, is projected to grow 7.36 per cent annually through 2030, according to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Writing in The Hindu Business Line, SLMG Beverages joint managing director argued that beverage companies must treat agriculture as core supply-chain infrastructure. He said a good harvest should be used to lock in longer contracts and invest in aggregation, not to relax sourcing. He also noted the Central Ground Water Board’s data showing the share of safe groundwater assessment units rising from 62.6 per cent in 2017 to 73.4 per cent in 2024, but urged companies to monitor water stewardship at the local level.