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Geography

Horticulture and Special Crops

Agriculture of Rajasthan: Major Crops, Production, Distribution

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 8 of 16 0 PYQs 43 min

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Horticulture and Special Crops

Horticulture is a growing priority in Rajasthan's agricultural strategy, supported by the Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society and central schemes like Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

7.1 Key Horticultural Commodities

Crop Key Districts Significance
Kinnow Mandarin Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh Largest Kinnow-producing state; "Kinnow Belt" along Gang Canal
Date Palm Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer India's 1st date palm cultivation zone; Jaisalmer dates locally famous
Chilli Jodhpur (Mathania), Nagaur, Barmer Mathania chilli — GI-tagged (2008); deep red colour, medium pungency; exported
Coriander Baran, Jhalawar, Kota India's #1 coriander zone
Cumin Jodhpur, Barmer, Nagaur India's #1 cumin zone
Isabgol (/ Psyllium) Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Pali India #1 globally; ~70% of world isabgol from Rajasthan
Fenugreek Nagaur, Sikar, Ajmer India's #1; Nagaur is India's largest fenugreek mandi
Pomegranate Jalore, Barmer, Pali, Bikaner Expanding area under PM KUSUM and MIDH
Aonla / Amla Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Ajmer Traditional agroforestry tree
Rose Ajmer (Pushkar), Jaipur (Harsoli) Rose water and attar extraction

Source: Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society; Rajasthan Economic Review 2025-26, Chapter 4

7.2 GI-Tagged Agricultural Products of Rajasthan

Several Rajasthan agricultural and food products carry Geographical Indication (GI) tags under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999:

Product GI Year District
Mathania Chilli 2008 Jodhpur
Bikaneri Bhujia 2010 Bikaner
Bikaner Papad Bikaner
Sanganer Block Print (Textile) Jaipur
Jodhpuri Mojri Jodhpur

Source: GI Registry of India

7.3 Isabgol (Psyllium Husk —)

Isabgol (Plantago ovata) deserves special mention. Rajasthan produces approximately 70% of global isabgol — making this the state's single most dominant crop in global terms, surpassing even guar's global share.

  • Districts: Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Pali, Jaisalmer — western arid zone
  • Season: Rabi crop (November–March)
  • Uses: Dietary fibre (laxative), cholesterol management, IBS treatment; exported globally as pharmaceutical-grade psyllium husk
  • Export: India (Rajasthan-dominated) accounts for ~85% of world isabgol export; primary markets USA, Germany, Japan