Government implementing 2 schemes for horticulture development

The government is implementing two centrally sponsored schemes for horticulture development – one for the North Eastern states and the other for the rest of the country - Kanti Lal Bhuria, minister of state for agriculture informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

The government is undertaking a `Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture' in North Eastern states and Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and a `National Horticulture Mission' for the remaining states, he said.

The schemes aim at holistic development of horticulture covering production, post-harvest management and marketing of fruits and vegetables. Provision is also provided for setting up of cold storage units and cold chain infrastructure for horticulture produce.

Under these schemes, assistance is also provided for training of various stake holders, including farmers, for adoption of new and innovative technology, he said.

The government is providing rural connectivity through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sarak Yojana in the rural areas of the country. While several schemes exist for providing irrigation facilities to the farmers, he said the ministry of agriculture is implementing centrally-sponsored scheme on micro-irrigation for adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and state agricultural universities are constantly developing new technologies which are disseminated through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and state agriculture/horticulture departments, the release added.