The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is a flagship program of the Government of India that was launched in 2005. The mission aims to accelerate the growth and development of horticulture in the country, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and implemented by the State governments/Union Territory Administrations
The NHM is implemented through various sub-schemes and programs, like National Bamboo Mission,National Mission on Medicinal Plants, and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm. These sub-schemes focus on specific areas of horticulture development and help the mission to achieve its objectives.
Objectives of the National Horticulture Mission
Increasing the area under horticultural crops: The mission aims to increase the area under horticultural crops by promoting the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices.
Improving productivity and quality: The mission aims to improve the productivity and quality of horticultural crops by providing training and extension services, as well as by promoting the use of modern technologies and practices.
Promoting export-oriented production: The mission aims to promote export-oriented production of horticultural crops by providing infrastructure facilities and by promoting the participation of farmers in international trade fairs.
Strengthening post-harvest management: The mission aims to strengthen post-harvest management of horticultural crops by promoting the use of modern technologies and practices, such as cold storage, controlled atmosphere storage, and packhouses.
Increasing farmers’ income: The mission aims to increase farmers’ income by promoting the cultivation of horticultural crops, as well as by strengthening the marketing and processing of horticultural crops.
Promoting horticulture in tribal and hill areas: The mission aims to promote horticulture in tribal and hill areas by providing special support for the cultivation of horticultural crops in these areas.
Enhancing the resilience of the horticulture sector: The mission aims to enhance the resilience of the horticulture sector by promoting climate-resilient practices and by encouraging farmers to adopt these practices.
The NHM provides various financial and technical assistance to farmers, such as subsidies for planting material, post-harvest management, and infrastructure development. The mission also provides training and extension services to farmers to improve their knowledge and skills in horticulture cultivation and management. Additionally, the NHM encourages the participation of the private sector and NGOs in the development and promotion of horticulture.
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