Horticulture's Role in Rural Livelihoods

The relevance of horticulture development in India's large and
varied agricultural environment was yrst recognised during
the countr4's Fth -iveYPear (lan 196-6796)F., The primar4 concern
during that time periodx howeverx was feeding a rapidl4 eCpanding
populationx hence e2orts were directed mostl4 on eCpanding grain
production 10hand et al,x 8AAj., bfter two decades of stead4 eCY
pansionx horticulture is now a maGor participant in the agricultural
scene and a maGor contriDutor to the countr4's kE(, In addition to its
oDvious positive e2ects on human health and wellDeingx horticulture
also provides a wealth of opportunities for diversif4ing and Dolstering
rural economies, There is a lot of potential for the industr4 to add
value through smart marLeting and processing that is made possiDle
D4 a wellYoiled suppl4 chain,