The Union Government has reportedly decided to include four new components – Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming, and Precision Agriculture – under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

About Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2014-15.
• It promotes the comprehensive growth of the horticulture sector in India.
• It supports crops such as fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, and cocoa.

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• It provides technical and administrative support to State Governments and State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) for initiatives like the Saffron Mission, RKVY, and NMSA.
• Implemented under: Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana.

• Funding Pattern: Government of India (GoI) contributes 60% and 40% share is contributed by State Governments.
  • In the case of North Eastern States and Himalayan States, GoI contributes 90%
• Objectives
  • Enhance Production and Productivity: Increase yield and quality with better planting materials and modern technologies.
  • Post-Harvest Management: Minimise post-harvest losses by developing infrastructure for storage, processing, and marketing.
  • Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage organic farming, eco-friendly practices, and integrated pest management.
  • Capacity Building: Train and support farmers in modern horticultural practices to improve income.
  • Market Access: Strengthen supply chains for better access to domestic and international markets.

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Key Components

• National Horticulture Mission (NHM):
  • Supports horticulture development across all states and union territories.
• Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH):
  • Tailored to the unique needs of northeastern and Himalayan regions.
• National Bamboo Mission (NBM):
  • Promotes bamboo cultivation and its value chain.
• Coconut Development Board (CDB):
  • Focuses on the development of the coconut sector.
• Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH):
  • Located in Medizipehima, Nagaland, for technical support, training, and capacity building in the North East.

Advanced Farming Techniques

Hydroponics

• Definition: It is a method of growing plants without soil, using water enriched with balanced mineral nutrients essential for plant growth.
• Benefits:
  • Uses less water than traditional farming.
  • Suitable for regions with poor soil or limited land.
  • Allows precise nutrient control, reducing wastage.
• Limitations:
  • High initial setup costs.
  • Requires continuous monitoring and specialised knowledge of nutrient management.

Aquaponics

• Definition: it integrates hydroponics with aquaculture, creating a symbiotic system with plants, fish, and beneficial bacteria.
• Process:
  • Fish waste provides nutrients for plant growth.
  • Plants, in turn, filter and purify water, which is recycled back to the fish tanks.
• Benefits:
  • Sustainable system producing both plants and fish.
  • Reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
  • Efficient water use.
• Limitations:
  • Requires knowledge to balance fish and plant needs.
  • Demands careful monitoring of water quality and nutrient levels.

Precision Agriculture

• Definition: it employs data-driven technology to manage crop production at a highly detailed level.
• Technologies Used:
  • GPS: Provides accurate mapping of fields.
  • Grid Sampling: Collects soil samples at intervals to assess pH, nutrients, and moisture.
  • Variable-Rate Technology (VRT): Adjusts the application rate of seeds, fertilizers, and water across fields, preventing over- and under-application.
  • Drones, Sensors, Satellite Imagery: Monitor crop health, growth, and field conditions in real-time.
• Benefits:
  • Increases crop yield and quality.
  • Reduces inputs like water and fertilizers, cutting costs and environmental impact.
• Limitations:
  • High initial cost of technology.
  • Requires skilled operators and reliable internet connectivity.

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Vertical Farming

• Definition: Vertical Farming means cultivating plants in vertically stacked layers or inclined surfaces, typically in controlled environments.
• Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA): Optimises conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients to enhance plant growth.
• Nutrient-Providing Methods:
  • Hydroponics: Soil-free growing using nutrient solutions.
  • Aeroponics: Roots are misted with nutrient-rich water, requiring less water than hydroponics.
  • Aquaponics: Combines fish farming with hydroponic plant production in a closed system.
• Benefits:
  • Maximises space utilisation, especially in urban areas.
  • Reduces the need for large amounts of land.
• Limitations:
  • High setup and operational costs.
  • Energy-intensive due to the use of artificial lighting and climate control.

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