Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: PTI)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with a budget of Rs 1,766 crore to revolutionise India’s horticulture sector.
The programme, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is aimed at improving the quality and productivity of fruit crops across the country. It was previously announced in the Finance Minister’s budget speech in February 2023.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the CPP focuses on viral infections in horticultural crops, which affect both productivity and quality.
Key components of the programme include: the establishment of nine world-class Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) in India, equipped with advanced diagnostic therapies and tissue culture laboratories; and the implementation of a robust certification system under the Seeds Act of 1966.
It also includes infrastructure support for large-scale nurseries for efficient multiplication of clean planting material.
The CPP is expected to benefit farmers, nurseries and consumers and boost exports. It will provide farmers with access to virus-free, high-quality planting material, leading to higher crop yields and improved income opportunities.
The program prioritizes affordable access to clean plant materials for all farmers, regardless of land holding size or socio-economic status.
Women farmers will also be actively involved in planning and implementation.
Vaishnaw noted that exports of horticulture produce have increased to over Rs 50,000 crore in the last decade. The CPP is expected to further strengthen India’s position as a leading global exporter of fruits.
The programme is being implemented by the National Horticulture Board in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an official statement said.
The initiative aligns with the Mission LiFE and One Health initiatives and promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices while reducing dependence on imported planting materials, it added.
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First publication: Aug 10, 2024 | 01:03 AM IST