Clean Plant Programme’ to Boost Horticulture Sector

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with a budget of Rs 1,766 crore.

About ‘Clean Plant Programme’

• It is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
• It was announced in the Budget Speech by the Finance Minister in February 2023.
• It seeks to set new standards for excellence and sustainability in horticulture.
• It will be executed by the National Horticulture Board in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Components:
  • Clean Plant Centres (CPCs): For developing and providing clean planting materials.
• Nine state-of-the-art CPCs will be established across India for advanced diagnostics and virus-free planting material
  • Certification and Legal Framework: To ensure quality and compliance.
• Implementation of a robust certification system under the Seeds Act 1966 for accountability and traceability.
  • Enhanced Infrastructure: To support the program’s implementation.
• Support for large-scale nurseries to develop infrastructure for efficient multiplication of clean planting material.
• Benefits: It aims to enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops in India.
  • Provides access to virus-free and high-quality planting materials.
  • Expected to improve crop yields and farmer incomes.
  • Strengthens India’s position as a global exporter, expanding market opportunities and increasing international trade share.
  • Supports Mission LiFE and One Health initiatives.

Overview of  Horticulture Sector in India

• It has emerged as a vital component of the agricultural economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP and providing employment to millions.
• With diverse agro-climatic conditions, India is well-suited for the cultivation of a wide variety of horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and medicinal plants.
• The horticulture production in the country in 2023-24 (Second Advance Estimates) is estimated to be about 352.23 Million Tonnes, a decrease of about 32.51 Lakh Tonnes (0.91%) over 2022-23 (Final Estimates).
• Increase in production of Fruits, Honey, Flowers, Plantation Crops, Spices and Aromatics & Medicinal Plants is seen over 2023-24 (Final Estimates) whereas decrease in Vegetables.
• Global Leadership: India is a world leader in the production of several fruits including mango, banana, guava, papaya, sapota, pomegranate, lime, and aonla.
  • India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally.
  • Dominates in the production of spices, coconut, and cashew nut.

Importance 

• It provides raw materials for various industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, thereby generating substantial employment opportunities
• It plays a significant role in the Indian economy by ensuring nutritional security, providing rural employment, diversifying farm activities, and enhancing farmers’ income.
• The horticulture sector contributes about 28% to the agricultural GDP of India

Challenges

• Infrastructure: Inadequate cold storage and transportation facilities lead to significant post-harvest losses.
• Market Access: Farmers often face difficulties in accessing markets and getting fair prices for their produce.
• Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns and climate change pose a threat to horticultural production.

Government Initiatives

• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): It aims for the holistic development of horticulture by increasing area, production, and post-harvest infrastructure.
  • MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented in States/UTs since 2014-15.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): State governments’ horticulture development projects are also supported under RKVY.
• The launch of the National Horticulture Mission has significantly boosted production and productivity.
  • Focuses on the development of horticulture through technology promotion, extension, and post-harvest management
• Horticulture Cluster Development Programme: Launched to promote integrated and market-led development of horticulture clusters to enhance global competitiveness

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The horticulture sector in India holds immense potential for driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.
• With supportive government policies, technological innovations, and a focus on sustainable practices, the sector is poised for significant advancements in the coming years.
• There is a need for adoption of modern technologies such as precision farming, protected cultivation, and drip irrigation can enhance productivity and sustainability.