ABSTRACT
The global food system is undergoing a significant transformation due to changes in consumption patterns, namely, a shift away from rice, wheat, and pulses. Increased consumer awareness of health issues is what is driving this shift. Consequently, there is a notable shift in concentration toward horticulture crops. The growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of horticulture products in the human diet has increased the demand for fruits on the market. The advancements in production technology for horticultural crops and the recognition of these advancements as a method of diversification have played a substantial role in satisfying the growing demand for these products. Therefore, it is worth noting that India, although occupying only 2.5% of the world’s land mass, is home to 16% of the global population. India’s fruit production is recorded at 88.98 million metric tons, cultivated in an area of 7.21 million hectares, making it the second-largest fruit producer globally, following China. Not only does it rank highly in terms of total fruit output, but it also possesses the advantage of cultivating a diverse range of fruits. Among the prominent varieties are mango, banana, citrus, pomegranate, guava, grape, pineapple, papaya, apple, sapota, and litchi. Fruit cultivation is widespread across the country, with the state of Maharashtra making a notable contribution of 15.12 % to the overall fruit production in India. Following this are Andhra Pradesh (11.81 %), Gujarat (8.99 %), Tamil Nadu (8.28 %), Uttar Pradesh (7.74 %), Karnataka (7.47 %), Madhya Pradesh (6.40 %), Telangana (4.99 %), and Bihar (4.51 %). Mango, banana, grapes, and pomegranate are three significant fruit crops shipped to several nations, adhering to rigorous standards.
