The present production of vegetables in India is estimated to be around 48 million tons from an area of over 4 million hectares against a requirement of 73 million tons. Several production constraints result in low yields per hectare and insignificant share in the exports.
Systematic research on vegetable crops in India has been conducted from 1956-57 onwards, in ICAR Institutes and Agricultural Universities. The All India Coordinated Vegetable Improvement Project started in 1970-71 provided a national grid for testing the technologies developed by various research institutions, under different agro-ecological situations. At present 25 vegetable crops have been included in the national research program. Ninety three improved varieties in 15 vegetable crops including six F1 hybrids and 17 pest resistant varieties have been recommended for cultivation in various agro-climatic regions of the country through organized coordinated efforts. Technologies for cultivation of various vegetables under different agro-climatic situations have been standardized to bring about marked increase in productivity. Seed production technology particularly for temperate vegetables has been standardized to make the country self- eliant in the production of these seeds. However, there are still some distinct gaps which need to be plugged. As such, priority areas of thrust for research on vegetables are redefined in every Five Year Plan.