Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday (February 8, 2026) said India aims to become self-reliant in the production of fruits, vegetables and flowers, asserting that there is no longer a need for imports in these sectors.

Addressing a review meeting with officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) here, Chauhan said the focus was on identifying high-demand crops and ensuring that their domestic production is beneficial to farmers.

Outlining the government’s efforts, he said: “We have a couple of goals. We don’t import fruit, flowers and vegetables. We have to become self-reliant in this sector.”

The Minister of Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare pointed out that India has already made great progress and termed the current production levels as “historic”. Regarding crops that were previously dependent on imports, Chauhan said, “We used to import avocados, but now we have started producing them.”

He emphasized the need to extend this approach to other emerging crops, adding: “We have to be self-reliant when it comes to dragon fruit.” He said authorities have been directed to identify fruits that must be produced domestically and promote their cultivation among farmers.

“I have told the authorities to identify the fruits that must be produced in India. We will encourage farmers to grow them,” he said, stressing that profitability will be a key driver.

“We will only start production if it is profitable,” he added. Regarding vegetables, Chouhan said India is not facing any import compulsion. “There is no need to import vegetables,” he said.

The minister highlighted post-harvest challenges and said shelf life remains a major concern for farmers.

“Another issue facing our farmers is shelf life. They want to extend the shelf life of tomatoes,” he said, adding that similar demands are emerging for other crops. “Now they are demanding an extension of the expiration date for custard apples,” he says.

Reiterating his broader vision, Chouhan said agricultural self-reliance is essential for a self-reliant India.

“For India to become self-reliant, vegetables and flowers must become self-reliant as well. We will not import them,” he said, adding that the research would focus on farmer-friendly varieties that would bring profit.