GS Paper III

News Excerpt:

The Union Cabinet has approved a Clean Plant Programme (CCP) with a budget of Rs 1,766 crore to enhance the quality of planting material for horticultural crops.

• Announced in the Budget 2023-24, this initiative is set to set new standards for excellence and sustainability in the  horticultural sector.

More Detail about CCP

• The National Horticulture Board, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), will implement the Clean Plant Programme (CPP).
• This programme is designed to revolutionize India's horticulture sector by developing region-specific, disease-free plant varieties tailored to various agro-climatic zones.

Initiative 

• Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Nine state-of-the-art CPCs will be established across India, each equipped with advanced diagnostic therapeutics and tissue culture labs.
• Certification and Legal Framework: A robust certification system supported by a regulatory framework under the Seeds Act 1966 will be implemented to ensure accountability and traceability in the production and sale of planting material.
• Enhanced Infrastructure: Large-scale nurseries will receive support for infrastructure development, enabling efficient multiplication of clean planting material.

Objective

• The programme will provide farmers with access to high-quality, virus-free planting material, leading to higher crop yields and better income prospects.
• The Union Minister emphasized that this programme will not only improve the productivity and quality of horticultural crops but also promote crop diversification, thereby reducing risks for farmers.

Benefits of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP):

• Farmers: The CPP will provide access to virus-free, high-quality planting material, leading to increased crop yields and improved income opportunities.
• Nurseries: Streamlined certification processes and infrastructure support will enable nurseries to efficiently propagate clean planting material, fostering growth and sustainability.
• Consumers: The initiative will ensure that consumers benefit from superior produce that is free from viruses, enhancing the taste, appearance, and nutritional value of fruits.
• Exports: By producing higher-quality, disease-free fruits, India will strengthen its position as a leading global exporter, expanding market opportunities and increasing its share in the international fruit trade.
• The Programme will prioritize affordable access to clean plant material for all farmers, regardless of their landholding size or socioeconomic status.
• The Programme will actively engage women farmers in its planning and implementation, ensuring their access to resources, training and decision-making opportunities.
• The Programme will address the diverse agro-climatic conditions across India by developing region-specific clean plant varieties and technologies.

Export of Horticulture 

• Horticultural exports have grown to over Rs 50,000 crore in the past decade, providing significant income for farmers and nutritional benefits for consumers.
• The Clean Plant Programme is expected to address issues related to the poor quality of produce that have hindered exports and prices, ultimately enhancing India's competitiveness in the global horticulture market.