Promotion of Horticulture

NEW DELHI: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is being implemented during XII Plan under Krishi Unnati Yojana, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme w.e.f. 2014-15, for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo. Under MIDH, the sub-scheme Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH) focuses on holistic development of horticulture in North Eastern region.

For the year 2014-15 the total contribution of Agriculture sector in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant price (2011-12) is approximately 17%. Horticulture accounts for 30% (approx) of India’s agricultural GDP. During the year 2013-14 total value of export of Horticulture is Rs. 14,365 crore.

MIDH scheme also encourages aggregation of farmers into farmers groups like FIGs/FPOs and FPCs to bring economy of scale and scope, enhance horticulture production augment farmer’s income and strengthen nutritional security, improve productivity by way of quality germ plasm, planting material and water use efficiency through Micro Irrigation, support skill development and create employment generation opportunities for rural youth in horticulture. Capacity buildings of farmers and technitions is also provided for adopting improved technologies, through existing institutions like State Agriculture Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, institutes with Department of Horticulture in States. Scheme also envisages creation of infrastructure for Post Harvest Management (PHM) and marketing for better price realization of produce in order to ensure sustainable and insured livelihood for people employed in horticulture sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Mohanbhai Kalyanjibhai Kundaria in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.