Horticultural activities in the State comprise of activities that aim at promoting production of fruits such as Sikkim mandarin, pear, kiwi, papaya, banana as well as traditional vegetables such as bean, garden pea and other vegetables like tomato, cole crops, radish, etc. Other cucurbits such as chayote, potato and spice crops like large cardamom, ginger, turmeric, cherry pepper and flowers such as cymbidium orchids, rose, lilium, gladioli, anthurium, carnation, gerbera, alstroemeria and zantedeschia. The activities relating to promotion of non- traditional practices like bee keeping, mushroom cultivation, plantation of bamboo and medicinal plants have been intensified to add greater diversification. The significance of horticulture in improving land use, promoting crop diversification, generating employment and providing nutritional security to people has been recognized by and large by common man, general public, framers and programme implementers. Hence, horticulture features as an important area in the overall policy framework for development in the State.

Cultivation of fruits, particularly Sikkim mandarin is a traditional practice in the State. The resurgence of orange cultivation after this major setback has strengthened the confidence of farmers. The emerging issues of climate change has posed greater challenges to horticulture development strategy, compelling all to give a serious thought to evolve with strategies for pest and disease management through organic protocol. Changes in time tested cropping patterns and shift in cropping line is a glaring reminder of the climate change impacts. As a first step towards mitigating these challenges, efforts are directed to redesign the ongoing horticulture programmes to introduce greater resilience to these emerging needs.