Answer: 

Introduction:

National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is an Indian Government scheme promoted with the objective to develop horticulture to the maximum potential available in the states and to augment production of all horticultural products. It was launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

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Role of NHM in boosting productivity and income of horticulture farms

• Integrated Development of Horticulture (IDH): NHM has implemented IDH, which is aimed at promoting horticulture by integrating production, processing, and marketing activities.
• Modernising production: The mission has envisioned the growth of the specific area-based crops by using cutting-edge technology, natural fertilizers, eco-friendly pesticides, and other tools that enable farmers to increase their output.
  • Example: Use of harvester machines for sorting out coffee beans.
• Encourage aggregation of farmers into farmer groups like FIGs/FPOs and FPCs to bring economy of scale and scope.
• Creating integrated boards for governance: Specific boards are created for looking after the needs of the crop. These specific boards have streamlined the rules for production and sale of the crop. They also provide a platform for selling the produce in markets around the world.
  • Example: Coffee boards, Cashew boards etc.
• Training entrepreneurs: NHM has facilitated the transfer of technology and technical knowledge from research institutions to farmers through training programs and demonstrations. NHM has focused on capacity building of farmers in various aspects of horticulture, such as production, post-harvest management, and marketing.

Success in increasing the income of farmers

• After the launch of the NHM, significant progress has been made in area expansion under horticulture crops, resulting in higher production.
  • For instance, the production of fruits has increased from 43.5 million tonnes in 2004-05 to 107.7 million tonnes in 2021-22.
  • Over the last decade, the area under horticulture grew at an average rate of 3% per annum and annual production increases at an average rate of 7.0% per annum.
• Alternative source of income: Some horticulture crops such as fruits and vegetables can be grown along with conventional crops like rice and wheat. These crops will help in obtaining additional income apart from the main crop.
• Diversification of crops: NHM has encouraged farmers to diversify their crops by promoting the cultivation of high-value crops, such as vegetables and fruits. This has helped farmers to earn more income apart from improving the soil health.
• NHM has created new market opportunities for horticulture crops and decreased rural unemployment over the past 20 years.

Conclusion:

By combining horticulture cultivation with traditional farming, agriculture in our nation has changed. Challenges like inadequate cold storage infrastructure, limited availability of market, limited support from the government and high price fluctuation are needed to be catered to achieve the aim of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. In an effort to stabilize farmers’ income, the Indian government is also attempting to include some horticultural products under MSP.