Gujarat has become India's number one state for okra production during 2023–24, officials said on Monday, December 29, 2025. The State led the country in the area under okra cultivation and total output. Okra was grown on 93,955 hectares in Gujarat, producing 11.68 lakh tonnes. The Saurashtra-Kutch region alone covered around 15% of this area and contributed about 13% of the production. In 2024–25, okra farming spread over 12 districts in Saurashtra and Kutch, covering 14,000 hectares and producing nearly 1.5 lakh tonnes. This shows the region’s rising role in Gujarat’s horticulture scene. Gujarat supplied 7.66% of India’s vegetable produce in 2024–25. The Saurashtra-Kutch region farmed 2.32 lakh hectares and generated 47.91 lakh metric tonnes of horticultural products, with productivity at 20.60 tonnes per hectare. Improved farming methods, stronger agriculture infrastructure, and smarter farmers boosted these figures. Horticulture is a major growth driver for Gujarat's agriculture. More farmers switch from traditional crops to horticulture due to higher yields and profit. Nearly 20% of Gujarat's farm land is now dedicated to horticulture, thanks to strong government support. The Department of Horticulture runs state and central schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the National Horticulture Mission (NHM). These focus on cluster development, protected farming, cold storage, quality seeds, and farmer training. MIDH provides subsidies for hi-tech farming, polyhouses, packhouses, grading units, and market connections for farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations. All this progress comes as Gujarat readies for the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2026 in Rajkot, covering Kutch and Saurashtra. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition will run alongside it. This event aims to showcase regional achievements, drive balanced growth, and attract new investments in key sectors. Officials said, “VGRC 2026 is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, global experts, innovators, and other stakeholders. Through sector-focused sessions, exhibitions, and collaborative platforms, the conference will showcase how Saurashtra and Kutch are poised to lead the next phase of agricultural innovation and sustainable growth.”