Gujarat’s Chiku Revolution Puts South Gujarat on Global Agri Map

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — South Gujarat is rapidly transforming into India’s powerhouse of sapota (chiku) production, strengthening Gujarat’s position as a horticulture leader and opening doors to global markets. With record output, strong policy support and growing investor interest, the region is now preparing to showcase its success at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference to be held at Auro University in Surat on May 1 and 2.

South Gujarat produces over 1.15 lakh metric tonnes of chickpeas

This comes at a time when the South Gujarat region is emerging as a leading hub of chickpea production, playing a vital role in driving the state’s horticultural success. During the financial year 2024-25, South Gujarat produced over 1.15 lakh metric tonnes of chickpeas, with a market value of over Rs 230 crore. These figures show that every second chickpea produced in the state comes from South Gujarat, which showcases the farming potential of the region.

According to the state government’s Director of Horticulture, Gujarat is the second largest chickpea producing state in the country in chickpea production. In the year 2024-25, more than 25,000 hectares of Chiku were cultivated in the state and the total production was recorded at more than 2.40 lakh metric tonnes, which shows Gujarat’s strong presence at the national level.

Financial assistance of up to Rs. 22,000 per hectare to Chiku farmers

To encourage farmers, the state government has implemented important assistance schemes under the Integrated Horticulture Development Programme. Up to 90 percent assistance is provided on planting material for sapota crop, while financial assistance of up to Rs. 22,000 per hectare is being provided to Chiku farmers. These initiatives are proving to be important in increasing the production capacity of farmers and increasing their income.

VGRC towards creating new opportunities in the horticulture sector

The upcoming VGRC (South Gujarat) Conference will be an important platform towards creating new opportunities in the horticulture sector. Chiku cultivation has huge potential for value addition through processing, packaging, branding and exports. The conference will seek to strengthen the agricultural value chain through dialogue between investors, entrepreneurs, exporters and policymakers.

Keeping in view the increasing demand for fresh and processed fruits, Gujarat is well positioned to attract investment in cold chain infrastructure, food processing units and agri-logistics. There is huge scope for expansion in areas like value addition, warehousing, ripening facilities and farm-to-market connectivity.

The success of chiku cultivation in South Gujarat is a reflection of the state’s commitment to agricultural diversification and farmer empowerment. By combining policy support, market linkages and natural advantages, Gujarat is creating a sustainable and growth-oriented horticultural ecosystem.

This achievement in the field of chickpea production is a strong example not only of agricultural development, but also of rural economic growth and investment opportunities, which is pushing Gujarat forward as the leading state in the country in the horticulture sector.