Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture is the nodal organisation responsible for development of the horticulture sector including fruits and vegetables. It is responsible for formulation and implementation of national policies and programmes aimed at achieving rapid growth through optimum utilization of land, water, soil and plant resources of the country.

It undertakes all possible measures to ensure timely and adequate supply of inputs and services such as fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, agricultural implements and also provides agricultural credit, crop insurance and ensures remunerative returns to the farmer for their agricultural produce.

Some of the more important functions discharged by it are :

• Endeavouring adequate and timely supply of inputs and services such as agricultural credit, fertilisers, pesticides, seeds and implements to the farmers;
• Administering the 'Crop Insurance Scheme' to provide relief to the farmers in the event of crop failure;
• Laying down Minimum Support Prices (MSP's) for certain key agricultural commodities to ensure food security in India and remunerative prices for farmers;
• Assisting States in management of drought and to undertake scarcity relief measures;
• Endeavouring to bring about the integrated development of marketing of agricultural produce to safeguard the economic interests of the farming community;
• Assisting the State Governments to improve agricultural extension services by adopting new institutional arrangements through the involvement of NGOs, farmers’ organisations and agricultural universities; etc.

Ministry of Food Processing Industry is the main  central agency of the Government responsible for developing a strong and vibrant food processing sector. It has been set up with a view to create increased job opportunities in rural areas, enable the farmers to reap benefit from modern technology, create surplus for exports and stimulate demand for processed food.

The Ministry  acts as a catalyst and facilitator for attracting domestic & foreign investments towards developing large integrated processing capacities , by creating conducive policy environment, including rationalization of taxes & duties. It processes applications for foreign collaborations, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), etc. and assists/guides prospective entrepreneur in his endeavour.

The subjects looked after by the Ministry are :

• Fruits and vegetable processing industry;
• Foodgrain milling industry;
• Dairy products; 
• Processing of poultry and eggs, meat and meat products;
• Fish processing;
• Bread, oilseeds, meals (edible), breakfast foods, biscuits, confectionery(including cocoa processing and chocolate), malt extract, protein isolate,high protein food, weaning food;
• Alcoholic drinks from non-molasses base;
• Aerated waters / soft drinks and other processed foods;
• Specialized packaging for food processing industries; as well as
• Technical assistance and advice to food processing industry.

Among various States, Maharashtra ranks first and contributes 27% in area and 21.5% in production. Andhra Pradesh ranks second in area and production contributing 13% and 16% of fruits. The maximum productivity was observed in Madhya Pradesh (22.6 mt/hectare), followed by Tamil Nadu (19.9 mt/hectare), Gujarat (15.9 mt/ hectare), Karnataka (15.9 mt/hectare), and West Bengal (12.8 mt/hectare). The growth in productivity was maximum (5%) in Kerala from 1991–92 to 2001–02 while it was 10.2% in Uttar Pradesh from 2001–02 to 2004–05.

State Governments have set up separate departments for promotion and development of the sector in their respective States. Some of them are the following.

Department of Food Processing Industries And Horticulture, Government Of West Bengal

Bengal is a low cost producer of a wide range of temperate, sub-tropical and tropical vegetables and fruits. But less than one percent of this is commercially processed. Thus there exists a great potential for setting up units in the fruit and vegetable-processing sector. Fruits and Vegetables, which offer extensive opportunities for processing in the state, are: Pineapple, Mango, Lychee, Potato, Papaya, Tomato, Green Vegetables, Mushroom, Coconut, and Cashew nut. The department has been making all efforts for growth of the sector.

Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka

Karnataka is a progressive state in the field of modern horticulture in the country. The diverse agro-ecological conditions prevailing in Karnataka has made it possible to grow different types of horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops, root and tuber crops, medicinal and aromatic crops etc. Karnataka is the 3 rd largest producer of fruits and stands 5 th position in area and production of vegetable crops. State stands 1 st in area and 3 rd in production of flower crops. It occupies 2 nd and 3 rd position with respect to area and production of plantation crops. Karnataka is the largest producer of Spices, Aromatic and Medicinal crops.

Government of Karnataka is considering fruit and vegetable processing sector as a thrust area for development. With growing urbanization and increasing quality consciousness, the market for processed fruit and vegetable is expected to grow rapidly. Therefore, there is enormous potential for developing agro products.