Clean Plant Programme to Transform India’s Horticulture

In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This ambitious initiative, backed by a significant investment of ₹1,765.67 crore, aims to revolutionize India’s horticulture sector by setting new benchmarks for quality and sustainability in fruit production.

Key Benefits of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

• For Farmers: The CPP will provide access to virus-free, high-quality planting material. This will enhance crop yields, improve income opportunities, and ensure healthier fruit crops.
• For Nurseries: The programme will streamline certification processes and offer infrastructure support to nurseries, enabling efficient propagation of clean planting material and fostering sector growth and sustainability.
• For Consumers: With the assurance of superior, virus-free produce, consumers will benefit from fruits with better taste, appearance, and nutritional value.
• For Exports: By focusing on high-quality, disease-free fruits, India will bolster its position as a leading global exporter, expand market opportunities, and increase its share in the international fruit trade.

Programme Highlights

• Affordable Access: The CPP will prioritize making clean plant material accessible to all farmers, regardless of their landholding size or socioeconomic status.
• Women Farmers: The initiative will actively engage women farmers, ensuring they have access to resources, training, and decision-making opportunities.
• Regional Adaptation: The programme will address India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions by developing region-specific clean plant varieties and technologies.

Core Components of the CPP

• Clean Plant Centres (CPCs): Nine state-of-the-art CPCs will be established across India, including facilities dedicated to specific fruits such as grapes, apples, almonds, citrus fruits, mangoes, guavas, and pomegranates. These centres will play a crucial role in producing and maintaining virus-free planting material.
• Certification and Legal Framework: A robust certification system will be implemented, supported by a regulatory framework under the Seeds Act 1966. This will ensure thorough accountability and traceability in the production and sale of planting material.
• Enhanced Infrastructure: Support will be provided to large-scale nurseries to develop the necessary infrastructure for efficient multiplication of clean planting material.

Aligning with Broader Initiatives

The Clean Plant Programme is designed to align with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the One Health initiative. It promotes sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices and aims to reduce dependence on imported planting materials. By enhancing India’s horticultural sector, the programme is poised to transform the industry, establish India as a leading global exporter of fruits, and drive significant changes across the sector.

The CPP will be implemented by the National Horticulture Board in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), marking a pivotal step in advancing India’s horticultural excellence and sustainability.

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