GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ₹1,766-CRORE CLEAN PLANT PROGRAMME

Why in the news?

The Cabinet approved a ₹1,766-crore Clean Plant Programme to enhance horticulture quality and productivity, featuring virus-free planting materials and improved infrastructure for better crop yields.

About the approval and Investment:

  • The Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with an outlay of ₹1,766 crore.
  • This initiative is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
  • Announced during the Finance Minister’s Budget speech in February 2023.

Program Components:

  • Clean Plant Centres (CPCs): Nine institutions will be developed as clean plant centres.
  • Nurseries: 75 nurseries will be established to provide high-quality planting materials.
  • Infrastructure: The program includes certification, a legal framework, and enhanced infrastructure.

Benefits and Implementation:

  • Enhanced Quality: The CPP aims to provide virus-free and high-quality planting materials, improving crop yields and farmer incomes.
  • Superior Produce: Expected to deliver better taste, appearance, and nutritional value of produce.
  • Implementation: The National Horticulture Board will oversee the program in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ₹1,766-CRORE CLEAN PLANT PROGRAMME - UPSCsource:eduprep
About Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program:

  • Budget: Rs. 2,200 crores over 7 years (until 2030).
  • Objective: Boost availability of disease-free, high-quality planting material for high-value horticultural crops.

Goals:

  • Enhance Yield: Improve productivity of horticultural crops.
  • Climate Resilience: Promote and disseminate climate-resilient crop varieties.
  • Ecosystem Protection: Implement proactive virus and disease control measures.

Implementation:

  • Anchored by: National Horticulture Board (NHB).
  • Clean Plant Centers: Establish centres across India to support and promote clean plant seeds and nurseries.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Work with stakeholders to adopt and utilise clean plant material for global competitiveness.

Establishment of Clean Plant Centres:

  • Concept: Unique to India; no existing equivalent.
  • Number: 10 centres planned.
  • Focus: Fruit crops including apple, walnut, almond, grapes, mango, pomegranate.
  • Funding: Fully funded by the Central Government.
  • Implementation: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with research organisations, agriculture universities, and private sector partners.
  • Services Provided: Disease diagnostics, therapeutics, plant multiplication, and generation of mother plants.
  • Impact: Reduces quarantine period for imported plants from two years to six months.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/budget-2023-agriculture-and-health/