King Of Fruits: Bananas Topple Mangoes With Highest Output; Floral, Livestock Economy On The Rise

Bananas are now the top contributor in terms of gross value of output, overtaking mangoes, according to data published by the Ministry of Statistics last week.

Among fruits, output of bananas at constant prices stood at Rs 47,000 crore in financial year 2023-24, surpassing mangoes at Rs 46,100, according to a statistical report on value of output from agriculture and allied sectors.

Mangoes were the top-most contributor in GVO at constant prices in fruits consistently from 2011-12 to 2021-22.

Bananas became the top contributor with its GVO share increasing from 9.3% to 11.5%, corresponding to output value of Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 47,000 crore from 2011-12 to 2023-24.

Mangoes maintained a consistently strong presence, with a marginal decrease in share from 12.5% to 11.2%, and a GVO increase from Rs 33,700 crore to Rs 46,100 crore.

Bananas and mango together accounted for approximately 50% of the GVO of total fruit group.

Pomegranate recorded substantial growth, with GVO rising from Rs 2,100 crore to Rs 9,200 crore, and share increasing by 150 basis points. Oranges had a modest increase in value, but a small rise in share from 3.3% to 3.8%. Output value of lemon has increased nearly threefold, with its share rising from 1.8% to 3%.

In total GVO of ‘fruits and vegetables’ and floriculture, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh were three top performing states in 2023-24. However, in 2011-12 West Bengal, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were top three states.

Though the share of vegetables has decreased marginally from 56.5% in 2011-12 to 55% in 2023-24, it remains the major contributor in this group.

Floriculture experienced significant growth, nearly doubling from Rs 17,400 crore in 2011–12 to Rs 28,100 crore in 2023–24, reflecting rising commercial interest and diversification in horticulture, said the report.

In vegetables, potatoes remain the top-most contributor in GVO at constant prices during 2011-12 to 2023-24. GVO of potato has increased to Rs 37,200 crore in 2023-24 from Rs 21,300 crore in 2011-12.

Share of ‘spices and condiments’ has increased from 3.9% in 2011-12 to 5.9% in 2023-24, suggesting rising domestic and export demand for spices, possibly aided by improved processing and branding. The data reveals a structural shift in Indian agriculture scenario, from traditional staples like cereals toward high value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. This transition reflects technological shift, changing consumer preferences, market opportunities, and policy orientation toward nutritional security and export potential.

Share of Madhya Pradesh rose from 3.8% in 2011-12 to 19.2% in 2023-24 in GVO of ‘condiments and spices’ in 2023-24, while Karnataka and Gujarat followed with 16.6% and 15.5%, respectively.

Share of crop has declined from 62.4% in 2011-12 in total GVO of agriculture and allied sectors to 54.1% in 2023-24. Livestock saw its share rise from 25.6% to 31.2%, while fishing and aquaculture from 4.2% to 7% in the same duration.

The value of output of livestock has nearly doubled in value, with a rise in share from 25.6% to 31.2% during 2011-12 to 2023-24. Milk group remained dominant in this sector with 66% share in 2023-24, but share of meat group in total GVO of livestock sector increased from 19.7% to 24.1% during 2011-12 to 2023-24.

While the crop sector remains the backbone of Indian agriculture, livestock and fishing sectors have become increasingly significant contributors, showing robust and sustained growth. The data highlights a gradual diversification within the agricultural economy, reflecting changing demand patterns, policy support, and technological improvements.

GVO for ‘forestry and logging’ rose from Rs 1.49 lakh crore in 2011-12 to Rs 2.28 lakh thousand crore in 2023-24. Share of value of industrial wood surged from 49.9% in 2011-12 to 70.2% in 2023-24. Share of output of firewood declined considerably, reflecting rural energy transitions.

Share of value of output of ‘fishing and aquaculture’ rose from 4.2% in 2011-12 to 7% in 2023-24 in the GVO of this sector. Fishing and aquaculture sector display an ever-increasing trend, with its GVO more than doubling over the period 2011-12 (Rs 80,100 crore) to 2023-24 (Rs 2.07 lakh crore).

Andhra Pradesh dominated the sector in 2023–24 with an enormous 39.1% share in total GVO at all-India level, whereas West Bengal was the highest contributor with a share of 24.6% in 2011-12.