Central government has approved a ₹1,765.67 crore Clean Plant Program

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Clean Plant Program (CPP), marking a transformative step for India’s horticulture sector. Led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and backed by an investment of ₹1,765.67 crore, this initiative aims to enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops across the nation. This move is expected to set new standards of excellence and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Leveraging India's diverse climate, which supports the cultivation of a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables, the country, is poised to strengthen its position as the world's second-largest producer in this sector after China.

What is the Clean Plant Program:

The Clean Plant Program addresses critical issues in horticulture, primarily ensuring the availability of high-quality, virus-free planting material. This program will offer multiple benefits to various stakeholders, from farmers to consumers, and will strengthen India’s position in the global fruit market.

Key Benefits of the Clean Plant Program (CPP):

• By providing virus-free, high-quality planting material, the CPP aims to boost crop production.
• Improved quality produce will enable farmers to fetch better market prices and increase their income.
• The program will assist nurseries in producing clean planting material by streamlining the certification process and providing infrastructure support.
• Advanced facilities under the CPP will promote growth and sustainability in the nursery sector.
• Consumers will benefit from high-quality fruits that are not only virus-free but also superior in taste, appearance, and nutrition.
• With high-quality, disease-free fruits, India is set to solidify its standing as a leading global exporter, boosting its share in the international fruit trade.

Nursery and Tissue Culture Plant Production:

• Establishment of new fruit and vegetable orchards with or without drip irrigation integration.
• Facilities for micro-irrigation, including polyhouses, greenhouses, shade net houses, and walk-in tunnels.
• Promotion of organic farming practices, certification, and the establishment of vermicompost units.
• Development of community tanks, farm ponds, and water harvesting systems.
• Production of bee colonies, bee hives, and related equipment.
• Availability of power tillers, tractors, and plant protection equipment.
• Conducting awareness programs, farmer training, exposure visits, and study tours.
• Setting up of cold storages, pack houses, ripening chambers, reefer vehicles, processing units, and food processing facilities in northeastern states.
• Development of static and mobile vending carts, retail outlets, rural markets, wholesale markets, and direct marketing platforms.

National Horticulture Mission (NHM):

The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2005, aimed at promoting the holistic growth of the horticulture sector. The mission focuses on enhancing horticulture production, improving nutritional security, and providing income support to farmers. It covers various horticulture crops and supports activities such as area expansion, rejuvenation of old orchards, protected cultivation, and post-harvest management.

Enhanced Support for Horticulture under PMFBY:

The guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the premium contribution for farmers is capped at 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops. This substantial support highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding horticultural crops, emphasizing the need for targeted insurance solutions for this critical sector.

Horticulture Cluster Development Program (HCDP):

The Horticulture Cluster Development Program (HCDP) is designed to leverage geographical specialization and promote integrated and market-led development of horticulture clusters. By focusing on identified crops in specific regions, the program aims to optimize productivity through better resource utilization. It seeks to increase exports of focus crops and improve the competitiveness of Indian horticulture products in the global market.

Horticulture Mission for Northeast and Himalayan States: This mission is focused on the comprehensive development of horticulture in the Northeastern states and Himalayan regions. It considers the unique agro-climatic conditions of these areas and promotes crops that are particularly suited to these regions, aiming to improve farmers' livelihoods and encourage sustainable horticultural practices.