India’s Agreement with ADB for Horticulture Productivity

Syllabus: GS 3/Economy 

In News

• The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $98 million loan to improve access to certified disease-free planting materials for horticulture farmers, enhancing crop yield, quality, and climate resilience. 

About Loan Agreement

• Implementation: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will implement the project through the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Support: The project supports India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), focused on enhancing plant health management.
  • It will develop a regulatory framework and institutional systems to implement the CPP effectively for horticulture in India.
• The project will establish clean plant centres to maintain disease-free foundation materials, equipped with advanced diagnostic labs and staffed with trained experts. It will also roll out a certification scheme for private nurseries to ensure the quality of their planting materials. 
• Objective: The project aims to boost crop yield, quality, and resilience to climate impacts by improving plant health.
  • The project helps farmers adapt to climate change by promoting plant health management to tackle the impact of rising temperatures and changing pest and disease behavior.

About horticulture production in the country

• India’s horticulture sector, crucial for the economy and nutrition, has been significantly enhanced through various government schemes.
• 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.
• India ranks second-largest producer of fruits, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar. 

Impacts 

• The horticulture sector significantly boosts the Indian economy by generating employment for millions, particularly in rural areas. 
• It provides livelihoods to farmers and laborers and supports related industries such as food processing, packaging, and transportation.

Key horticulture initiatives in India:

• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) :It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented from 2014-15 for holistic development of horticulture in the country, covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashewand  cocoa. 
• National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Launched in 2005, the mission aims to promote holistic growth in the horticulture sector, improving production, nutritional security, and farmer income.
• Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (HCDP): Focuses on leveraging regional specialization to promote integrated development of horticulture clusters, aiming to increase exports and enhance global competitiveness of Indian horticultural products.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides soil testing and crop-wise nutrient recommendations, helping farmers make informed decisions, improving yields, and reducing input costs.
• Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH): Focuses on horticulture development in the North East and Himalayan regions, promoting region-specific crops and sustainable farming practices to improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Challenges 

• Inadequate infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and transportation issues lead to significant post-harvest losses.
• Market Access: Farmers often struggle with accessing markets and fair pricing, affecting their income and profitability.
• Sustainability: Ensuring sustainable farming practices and addressing environmental concerns are crucial for the sector’s long-term viability.

Future Outlook 

• The future of India’s horticulture sector looks promising, with increasing domestic and global demand for high-quality produce. 
• Continued government support, coupled with innovation and investment, will drive the sector’s growth. 
• By addressing existing challenges and leveraging its strengths, India’s horticulture sector can achieve greater heights and contribute more significantly to the economy and food security.

Source :TH