Chikoo (sapota) cultivation in Gujarat has witnessed a steady decline over the past decade, with production falling by nearly 28.4 per cent and the area under cultivation shrinking by about 16.7 per cent, according to data from the Directorate of Horticulture. Among major growing districts, Surat has emerged as the worst affected, with the area under chikoo cultivation plunging by nearly 58.5 per cent over the same period.
The decline comes even as Gujarat, which the state government says is the largest chikoo-growing state in terms of area under cultivation --- continues to project the crop as a key horticulture strength. State-wide production has declined from 3.35 lakh tonnes in 2015–16 to 2.40 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, while the area under chikoo has reduced from 29,562 hectares to 24,622 hectares. Surat’s chikoo cultivation area has fallen sharply from 2,150 hectares in 2015–16 to just 892 hectares in 2024–25, marking the steepest contraction among major producing districts. Other key regions have also recorded declines — Bhavnagar has fallen by about 42.3 per cent, while Valsad has declined by around 20.2 per cent. Junagadh with 3,660 hectares has remained largely stable.
Navsari, however, continues to anchor chikoo production with 8,052 hectares in South Gujarat, with the area rising slightly by around 4 per cent (in the last 10 years), making it the largest chikoo-growing district in the state.
Despite the long-term downward trend in both output and area, the state government has continued to project chikoo as a key horticulture strength ahead of the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference South Gujarat 2026. In its official release on Tuesday, it said Gujarat remains India’s second-largest chikoo producing state and the largest in terms of area under cultivation, with over 25,000 hectares under the crop and production of about 2.40 lakh tonnes in 2024–25.
The government has also highlighted ongoing support under the Integrated Horticulture Development Programme, including 90 per cent assistance on planting material and ₹22,000 per hectare support, aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening the horticulture value chain.
Published on April 28, 2026