Recently a $98 million loan agreement between the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was signed to enhance horticultural productivity and resilience in India.
Key Highlights of the Loan Agreement
- Objective: To improve farmers’ access to certified, disease-free planting materials.
- Enhance crop yield, quality, and resilience to climate change.
- Support for the Clean Plant Programme (CPP): The project aligns with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aimed at strengthening plant health management in horticulture.
Enroll now for UPSC Online Course
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
- It is a centrally sponsored scheme effective since 2014-15 under the Green Revolution Krishonnati Yojana.
- Aim: Focused on the holistic development of the horticulture sector, including fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Funding Pattern
-
- General States: 60% by the Government of India (GoI) and 40% by State Governments.
- North Eastern and Himalayan States: 90% by GoI
|
About Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
- The programme is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
- Implementation Period: It will be implemented from 2024 to 2030 with 50% financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- Objective: The CPP aims to tackle critical challenges in horticulture by providing access to high-quality, virus-free planting materials.
- Aim of the Programme
- Enhancing Crop Yields: The programme seeks to increase the yield of horticulture crops.
- Promoting Climate-Resilient Varieties: It focuses on the dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient plant varieties.
- Protecting the Ecosystem: Proactive measures for virus and disease control will help safeguard the environment.
- Key Implementing Agencies: The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with:
- National Horticulture Board (NHB).
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Key Facts about Horticulture Production
- Contribution to Agricultural GDP: Horticulture accounts for 33% of the gross value of agricultural GDP.
- Land Coverage: It occupies 18% of agricultural land in India.
- Global Standing: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables worldwide.
- Surpassing Food Grains: Horticulture production has exceeded food grain production despite utilizing much less area. (25.66 million hectares for horticulture vs. 127.6 million hectares for food grains).
|
Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store
Key Components CPP
- Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Establishment of nine world-class CPCs with advanced diagnostic facilities, therapeutics, and tissue culture laboratories.
- Certification Framework: Development of a regulatory framework under the Seeds Act, 1966, to certify clean plants.Support for Nurseries:Provision of support to develop infrastructure for large-scale nurseries.Implementation Strategy
- Clean Plant Centers: These centers will maintain disease-free foundation planting materials.
- Advanced Facilities: CPCs will feature cutting-edge diagnostic laboratories and personnel trained in state-of-the-art testing procedures.
- Certification Scheme: A clean plant certification scheme will be created to accredit private nurseries, ensuring access to quality planting materials.
Significance of the CPP
- Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat: Strengthens self-reliance in horticulture, aligning with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Addresses Climate Challenges: Enhances farmers’ ability to adapt to climate-related issues.
- Encourages Innovation: Promotes advanced testing techniques and institutional capacity-building.
- Long-Term Benefits: Expected to improve productivity, sustainability, and economic well-being of farmers.
December 2, 2024
