India is taking a strategic turn toward high-value crops after allocating ₹350 crore (around US$40 million) to the nuts and dry fruits sector in its 2026 Union Budget. The move places products such as almonds, walnuts and cashews at the centre of agricultural policy, with a dual objective: reducing import dependence and increasing farmers’ income.
As one of the world’s largest consumers of nuts, India has historically relied heavily on imports. The new policy direction aims to strengthen domestic production through incentives, the development of production clusters and improvements across the value chain.
Nuts and dry fruits stand out for offering significantly higher returns per acre compared to traditional crops, despite requiring higher initial investment and longer gestation periods. To support this transition, the strategy focuses on research and development, climate adaptation and access to high-quality planting material.
The plan also includes strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), investing in storage, grading and processing infrastructure, and encouraging regional adoption by leveraging areas naturally suited for these crops.
Beyond economics, the shift aligns with evolving nutritional priorities, positioning nuts and dry fruits as key components of food security. Industry stakeholders view this move as a structural change that could transform India from a major consumer into a relevant global producer.
