Horticulture sector is recognised to have the potential to raise the farm income, provide livelihood security and earn foreign exchange. However, focused policy interventions are needed to realise the potential of the sector. The study examines the trends of the horticultural sector in India and identifies the growth prospects. The consumption of selected fruits and vegetables has grown at a rate of 18-23% and 10-20% in rural areas during 1993-94 to 2011- 12, still the quantity consumed is less than the recommended dietary requirements. Out of the overall growth rate of 3.56 per cent in agriculture during 2000-2011, fruits and vegetable alone accounted for 19.2%. The share of high value crops in value of output of the agricultural sector is also on increase, both in absolute terms as well as in shares. Horticultural sector accounts for about 37% of the total exports of agricultural commodities, and the exports have recorded sustained rising trend. Across states, there is wide variation on the growth performance. The major concerns of the sector are improving the productivity through research and development, enhancing the share of value added products, geographical diversification of exports and enhancing the infrastructure including cold storage and rural roads. The public sector research needs to be strengthened factoring in the constraints of small holders who constitute the major producers.

This paper examines the role of different institutions in promotion of protected cultivation and the benefits realized by the farmers in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The area under protected cultivation promoted by National Horticulture Mission, has been found nearly 1.5 lakh ha, of which 20 per cent is under greenhouse. The export-oriented carnation cultivation has been observed most profitable visa -vis domestic market oriented and diversified pattern of production. The study has shown that the cost of protected cultivation can be recovered in 3-5 years, depending upon the crops grown. The IRR varies from 31 per cent for carnation with capsicum to 73 per cent when only carnation is grown. The sensitivity analysis with respect to subsidy has shown that protected cultivation is sustainable even without subsidy for its cultivation. The protected cultivation has made a significant impact on the farm households in the hilly region. However, further expansion of protected cultivation will depend on the effectiveness of supporting institutions and market structure.

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