The objective of fruit development scheme is to expand the area under fruit cultivation in the state including indigenous, exotic and high value fruits with focus on increasing the production and productivity of fruit crops. The department will ensure that 25 percent of the beneficiaries of the scheme are women.

An amount of 1892.00 lakh is set apart under the scheme during 2023-24.

The component wise breakup of outlay is given below.

          The amount earmarked for fruit development in 2023-24 will be utilized for progeny orchards, propagation, and production enhancement through area expansion, irrigation support, hardening units, popularizing fruit plants for homesteads as well as commercial cultivation giving thrust to exotic and high value fruits. An amount of ₹ 1467.00 lakh is allocated for production of planting materials of one crore fruit plants in the form of grafts, layer and seedlings. Distribution will be based on site suitability and success of establishment. The existing beneficiaries will be supported only after ensuring that 80 percent of the previous years‟ planting has been successful/surviving. A certificate to this effect will be issued by the Agricultural Officer. The facilities available with the Departmental Farms/nurseries shall also be utilized for development of orchards. No separate manpower and vehicle will be provided under the programme. The project will be implemented by the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare with the support of Kerala Agricultural University, VFPCK, Horticorp and FPO‟s.
The MIDH and PMKSY scheme (CSS) will be integrated with the fruit development programme to provide maximum assistance to the farmers to take up cultivation of fruits. An amount of ₹ 200.00 lakh is set apart for top up subsidy for fruit plant cultivation under MIDH.
Jackfruit procurement, trading and processing will be promoted through VFPCK. An amount of ₹ 25.00 lakh is allocated for procurement, processing and,marketing of jackfruit including branding, packing and labeling.
An amount of ₹ 100.00 lakh is earmarked for development of flowers under the component “Onathinu oru pookooda”. Project based assistance will be provided for the establishment of floriculture units, establishment of new floriculture nurseries including tissue culture units, establishment of grading, packing centers and market intelligence support. Flori -villages will be established and suitable markets identified for marketing of flowers. Flowering plants will be selected based on the site suitability and marketing potential. The funds from RKVY and MIDH will be integrated with the project.
The project for promotion of medicinal plants will be implemented in the state in suitable AEUs. An amount of ₹ 100.00 lakh is earmarked for area expansion of medicinal plants through clusters, setting up of collection centers, Plant Health Management units and for transportation and marketing facilities. The scheme will be implemented in selected districts through the Department of Agriculture and arrangements for market tie up will be made with Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals in the government/private sector.