While production of potatoes rose from 41.5 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 45.6 million tonnes in 2015-16, onion production rose from 19.4 million tonnes to 20.2 million tonnes. During the same period, production of foodgrains fell nearly 5% from a record 265 million tonnes to 252 million tonnes. Previous data released by the farm ministry (Horticulture Statistics at a Glance, 2015) shows that unlike foodgrains, horticulture crops survive poor rains due to better irrigation. The second advance estimate of horticulture production shows production of major crops like onions and potatoes increased over the past two years. Yet, overall, the value of horticulture crops rose faster than that of foodgrains.

Source: Mint July 03, 2016 18:45 UTC