India’s Agreement with ADB for Horticulture Productivity

India’s Agreement with ADB for Horticulture Productivity

India has signed a $98 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed at improving horticulture productivity. This initiative focuses on enhancing plant health and providing disease-free planting materials to farmers, thereby improving crop yield, quality, and climate resilience.

Key Aspects of the Loan Agreement

• Implementation:

  • The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

• Support for Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP):

  • This project aligns with the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), which aims to enhance plant health management in India by ensuring disease-free planting materials.

• Objectives:

  • To improve crop yield, quality, and climate resilience.

  • To support farmers in adapting to climate change through better plant health management and improved seeds resistant to pests and diseases caused by climate variability.

• Key Components of the Project:

  • Establishing Clean Plant Centres: These centres will maintain disease-free foundation materials, ensuring healthy plants for farmers.

  • Diagnostic Labs: Advanced diagnostic labs will be set up to identify diseases in planting materials.

  • Certification Scheme for Private Nurseries: The project will roll out a certification scheme for private nurseries, ensuring the quality of their seeds and plants.

Impact of the Project

• Improved Crop Productivity: By providing disease-free planting materials, the project will lead to improved crop yields and higher-quality produce.

• Climate Resilience: Promotes the use of climate-resilient plants, helping farmers manage the impacts of rising temperatures and changing pest/disease behavior.

• Better Plant Health: The focus on plant health will improve the overall sustainability of Indian horticulture and ensure better returns for farmers.

Horticulture Production in India

• Horticulture's Importance: Horticulture plays a crucial role in India’s economy and nutrition, contributing significantly to employment, especially in rural areas. It supports food security and generates income for millions of farmers.

• Horticulture Production in 2023-24:

  • India’s horticulture production is estimated at 352.23 million tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 0.91% from the previous year (2022-23).

  • Increase in Production: Fruits, honey, flowers, plantation crops, spices, and medicinal plants saw an increase in production.

  • Decrease in Vegetables: There was a slight decrease in vegetable production during this period.

• India’s Global Horticulture Standing:

  • India is the second-largest producer of fruits, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar.

Key Initiatives in India’s Horticulture Sector

1. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):

   • Launched in 2014, it aims for the holistic development of horticulture, focusing on crops like fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, and medicinal plants.

2. National Horticulture Mission (NHM):

   • Launched in 2005, it seeks to promote sustainable growth in the sector, improving production, nutrition security, and farmers' income.

3. Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (HCDP):

   • Focuses on leveraging regional specialization for integrated development of horticulture clusters, enhancing exports, and global competitiveness.

4. Soil Health Card Scheme:

   • Provides soil testing and crop-wise nutrient recommendations to farmers, helping them make informed decisions to improve yield and reduce input costs.

5. Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH):

   • Promotes horticulture development in North East and Himalayan regions, with a focus on sustainable farming practices and region-specific crops.

Challenges in the Horticulture Sector

1. Infrastructure Deficiencies:

   • There is a lack of adequate cold storage and transportation facilities, leading to high post-harvest losses.

2. Market Access Issues:

   • Farmers struggle to access markets and fair pricing, which impacts their income and profitability.

3. Sustainability Concerns:

   • There is a need for more sustainable farming practices to ensure the long-term viability of the horticulture sector.

Future Outlook

• The future of India’s horticulture sector appears promising, with growing domestic and global demand for high-quality horticultural produce.

• Government Support: Continued government initiatives and support will further boost the sector's growth, ensuring food security, job creation, and economic development.

• Innovation and Investment: With the introduction of innovative techniques, including biofortification, hybrid crops, and better seed technologies, India’s horticulture sector has the potential to meet future challenges and increase its contribution to the economy and global food systems.

Conclusion

India’s collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the ongoing efforts to improve plant health through the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme will significantly enhance the productivity and resilience of the country's horticulture sector. By addressing existing challenges, such as infrastructure issues, and introducing advanced technologies, the horticulture sector is poised for sustainable growth, contributing to both the economy and global food security.