Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme in the Union Budget 2023–24 with an allocation of Rs. 2,200 crore. The objective of this program is to improve the quality of horticulture crops in India and enhance exports in the sector. The program will be anchored by the National Horticulture Board and aims to increase yields, protect the ecosystem, and disseminate climate-resilient varieties.

Clean Plant Centers:

The National Horticulture Board will set up Clean Plant Centers across India to distribute horticulture planting materials and prevent diseases. These centers will ensure access to disease-free horticulture planting material for the competitiveness of India’s horticulture sector. The program will also aim to enhance the yield of horticulture crops, protect the ecosystem through proactive virus and disease control measures, and disseminate climate-resilient varieties. The centers will work with stakeholders to promote the adoption of clean plant seeds and nurseries.

Global Competitiveness:

India is a top producer of many fruits like banana, mango, pomgranate, and papaya, but its contribution in exports is not up to the mark. With the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program, India aims to produce high-quality, disease-free material for horticulture crops to improve its competitiveness in the global market. The program will adopt best practices from countries like the USA that run clean plant programs for better yields.

Agriculture Accelerator Fund:

The Finance Minister also announced the setting up of an Agriculture Accelerator Fund to encourage agri-startups by young entrepreneurs in rural areas. The fund will aim to bring innovative and affordable solutions for the challenges faced by farmers and transform agricultural practices to increase productivity and profitability.

Millet Research:

The Finance Minister also announced support for the Indian Institute of Millet Research in Hyderabad as the Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research, and technologies at the international level. India is the largest producer and second-largest exporter of millets in the world, and the finance minister referred to them as “Shree Anna.”

Increased Agriculture Credit:

The agriculture credit target will be increased to Rs. 20 lakh crore with a focus on animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries. A new sub-scheme of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana will also be launched with a targeted investment of Rs. 6,000 crore to improve the activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro & small enterprises, and expand the market.

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program is a significant step towards boosting the quality of horticulture crops in India and enhancing exports in the sector. With the allocation of Rs. 2,200 crore, the National Horticulture Board will set up Clean Plant Centers across the country to provide disease-free horticulture planting material. The program will improve the competitiveness of India’s horticulture sector in the global market and promote the adoption of clean plant seeds and nurseries. The announcement of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund and support for the Indian Institute of Millet Research will also enhance the agriculture sector in India.