Cabinet approves the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

Context: The Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with a budget of ₹1,766 crore under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

• CPP will have 3 components: Clean Plant Centres, certification and legal framework and enhanced Infrastructure.
• The programme will be implemented by National Horticulture Board in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural research (ICAR).
• CPP will provide access to virus-free, high-quality planting material, leading to increased crop yields and improved income opportunities.
• Streamlined certification processes and infrastructure support will enable nurseries to efficiently propagate clean planting material, fostering growth and sustainability.
• The Programme will actively engage women farmers in its planning and implementation, ensuring their access to resources, training and decision-making opportunities.
• By producing higher-quality, disease-free fruits, India will strengthen its position as a leading global exporter.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

• MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing MIDH with effect from 2014-15.
• MIDH is implemented under Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana.

Key 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.

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