Clean Plant Programme to Boost Horticultural Crop Quality

On 9th August, 2024, the Indian government sanctioned a Rs.1,766 crore Clean Plant Programme aimed at enhancing the quality of planting material for horticultural crops.

Key Points

Implementation Details: The Union Agriculture Ministry will oversee the programme, which will establish nine clean plant centres and 75 nurseries for replicating clean mother planting material.
Benefits: The initiative aims to improve crop productivity and quality, promote crop diversification, and reduce risks for farmers.
Economic Impact: Horticultural exports have surged to over Rs.50,000 crore in the past decade, contributing significantly to farmer incomes and consumer nutrition.
Global Competitiveness: The programme is designed to address quality issues that have affected exports and prices, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global horticulture market.