Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (CDP)

GS-3 Mains 

Short Notes or Revision Notes 

Question : Analyze the contribution of the horticulture sector to India’s agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and its position as a global producer of fruits and vegetables. Examine the advantages of India being a low-cost producer in the horticulture industry.

Context

• New platform launched for subsidy disbursement to horticulture farmers under CDP: CDP-SURAKSHA.

CDP-SURAKSHA

• Digital platform for instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts via e-RUPI vouchers.
• e-RUPI: One-time payment mechanism redeemable at merchants accepting e-RUPI (no card, digital wallet, or internet banking needed).
• Significance:
  • Upfront subsidy to farmers for purchasing planting material.
  • Vendor payment only after successful delivery verification by farmers.
  • Aims to boost India’s horticulture sector growth.

Horticulture Sector in India

• Definition: Cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
• Contribution:
  • 33% to India’s agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA).
  • Currently produces 320.48 million tons (surpasses food grain production).
  • Second largest producer of vegetables and fruits globally.
  • Leads in production of banana, lime & lemon, papaya, okra.
• Advantages:
  • Low-cost producer due to favorable climate, labor availability, and low input costs.
  • Fruits and vegetables account for 90% of horticulture production.

Challenges Faced by the Sector

• Lack of infrastructure for post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation (leads to spoilage).
• Water scarcity and inefficient water management practices (impact yield and quality).
• Pest and diseases (damage crops, misuse of pesticides harms environment and health).
• Limited market linkages and price fluctuations (affect income and discourage investment).
• Climate change (unpredictable weather patterns challenge production).
• Meeting quality standards and certification for export markets (difficult for small producers).

Government Initiatives

• National Horticulture Mission (NHM):Promotes holistic growth through enhanced production, productivity, and quality.
  • Launched in 2005-06.
  • Focuses on infrastructure, technical assistance, and market linkages.
• National Horticulture Board (NHB):Provides financial assistance, technical guidance, and market intelligence.
  • Launched to promote production, processing, and marketing of horticultural crops.
• Cluster Development Program (CDP) – Component of NHB’s central sector scheme.
  • Aims to leverage geographical specialization of horticulture clusters.
  • Promotes integrated and market-led development across the value chain.
  • 55 clusters identified, 12 selected for pilot.
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):Integrates schemes for holistic support.
  • Launched in 2014.
  • Provides support from pre-production to post-harvest management and marketing.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):Provides financial assistance for infrastructure, capacity building, and other interventions.
• Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM):Supports mechanization adoption for efficiency and reduced labor dependency.