Why in News?
The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme is gaining attention due to its significant impact on the horticulture sector in India. The Indian government has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to secure a $98 million loan aimed at improving the availability of disease-free planting materials for horticulture crops.
- This initiative is designed to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure virus-free plants, and boost India’s position in the global fruit market.
- The programme aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by strengthening the domestic horticulture industry, making it more self-reliant and sustainable.
- It also promotes climate resilience and ensures farmers’ access to high-quality planting materials.
Key Features of the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme:
- Objective: The programme focuses on providing high-quality, disease-free planting materials for various horticulture crops.
- Targets:
- Enhance horticulture yield.
- Develop and promote climate-resilient plant varieties.
- Ensure sustainable farming practices by controlling plant diseases.
- Infrastructure: Establishment of Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) equipped with advanced diagnostic labs and tissue culture technologies for producing virus-free plants.
- Inclusivity: The program aims for affordable access to high-quality plant material, especially for small-scale farmers, and prioritizes women farmers in its implementation.
Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Core Infrastructure
- State-of-the-art facilities: The programme will set up Clean Plant Centers (CPCs), which will be equipped with modern diagnostic labs and tissue culture technologies for the mass production of virus-free plants.
- CPC Locations: Nine CPCs will be established across India for various crops such as apple, walnut, mango, and pomegranate.
- Certification System: A robust certification system will ensure transparency and accountability in the production and sale of plant materials. It will be supported by a regulatory framework under the Seed Act of 1966.
- Public-Private Partnerships: The centres will operate in collaboration with research organizations, agriculture universities, and private sector partners to ensure innovation and effectiveness.
Benefits for Farmers and Stakeholders:
- Increased Productivity: By providing access to clean and virus-free planting material, farmers can expect a higher yield and better-quality crops.
- Economic Growth: Improved crop quality leads to higher market value and boosted income for farmers.
- Export Potential: The programme is designed to improve the export potential of India’s horticulture products by ensuring global quality standards.
Implementation and Funding of Clean Plant Programme:
- Budget Allocation: The programme was announced with a budget of ₹2,200 crore for the period from 2023-24 to 2030.
- Implementation Agency: The programme is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with National Horticulture Board (NHB) as the lead agency, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Collaborations: The programme is implemented under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), focusing on improving the productivity and quality of horticultural crops.
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Asian Development Bank (ADB): Overview The Asian Development Bank (ADB) aims to foster a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, with a commitment to eradicating extreme poverty in the region. Despite significant achievements, the region continues to house a substantial portion of the world’s poor, with 263 million people living on less than $1.90 a day and 1.1 billion people surviving on less than $3.20 a day. Key Roles and Functions:
Vision and Goals:ADB’s vision aligns with creating a sustainable future by addressing challenges such as:
Significance: As a major regional development bank, ADB plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life in Asia and the Pacific by fostering growth, reducing vulnerabilities, and creating inclusive opportunities for millions of people. |
Conclusion: The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme is a transformative step towards making India self-reliant in horticulture. By ensuring the availability of disease-free, high-quality planting material, it aims to boost horticulture productivity, improve farmer incomes, and enhance India’s position in global markets.
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