Enhancing Horticulture through Clean Plant Programme

The Government of India, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has initiated project to enhance horticulture. A loan of $98 million has been signed to improve farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials. This initiative aims to boost crop yield, quality, and resilience against climate change impacts.

Context of the Initiative

Rising temperatures are leading to extreme weather events. These changes also affect pest and disease behaviour. Farmers need effective strategies to adapt to these changes. The Building India’s Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is designed to address these challenges by promoting plant health management.

Objectives of the Clean Plant Programme

The CPP aims to enhance plant health management in horticulture. It will develop a regulatory framework and institutional systems. This will ensure effective implementation of the programme. The focus is on improving productivity for farmers.

Collaboration and Stakeholders

The project will involve consultations with various stakeholders. Private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations will participate. Their involvement is crucial for the success and sustainability of the programme.

Establishment of Clean Plant Centres

Clean plant centres will be established to maintain disease-free foundation materials. These centres will be equipped with advanced diagnostic testing laboratories. Experts trained in clean plant centre operations will staff these facilities.

Certification and Accreditation

A clean plant certification scheme will be rolled out. This scheme will accredit private nurseries. It will also involve testing and certifying their planting materials. This process ensures that only high-quality, disease-free materials are used by farmers.

Implementation Strategy

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will oversee the project. The National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will play key roles. Their collaboration is essential for the programme’s effective execution.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to improve farmers’ productivity. Enhanced access to disease-free planting materials will lead to better crop yields. Farmers will be better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change.

Importance of Plant Health Management

Plant health management is vital for sustainable agriculture. It helps in increasing resilience against pests and diseases. This initiative will contribute to the overall growth of the horticulture sector in India.

Future Prospects

The success of the CPP could set a precedent for similar initiatives. It may lead to improved agricultural practices across various sectors. The focus on plant health could revolutionise horticulture in India.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture in India.
2. Examine the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing agricultural productivity.
3. Analyse the significance of disease-free planting materials in horticulture.
4. Estimate the potential benefits of advanced diagnostic testing in plant health management.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture in India.

1. Rising temperatures lead to unpredictable weather patterns, affecting crop cycles.
2. Extreme weather events like floods and droughts disrupt farming activities and yield.
3. Changes in pest and disease behavior increase agricultural risks and losses.
4. Farmers face challenges in adapting to these changes without proper support and resources.
5. Climate change impacts food security and livelihoods, necessitating urgent adaptive measures.

2. Examine the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing agricultural productivity.

1. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can leverage resources and expertise from both sectors.
2. They facilitate access to technology and innovations, improving farming practices.
3. Collaboration helps in developing infrastructure and providing better services to farmers.
4. PPPs can enhance research and development efforts, leading to improved crop varieties.
5. Successful partnerships encourage sustainability and resilience in agricultural systems.

3. Analyse the significance of disease-free planting materials in horticulture.

1. Disease-free planting materials reduce the risk of crop diseases and pest infestations.
2. They contribute to higher crop yields and better quality produce.
3. Using certified materials enhances farmers’ income and market competitiveness.
4. Disease-free plants promote sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem health.
5. Availability of such materials supports the overall growth of the horticulture sector.

4. Estimate the potential benefits of advanced diagnostic testing in plant health management.

1. Advanced diagnostic testing allows for early detection of diseases and pests.
2. It enables targeted interventions, reducing the need for broad-spectrum pesticides.
3. Improved diagnostics enhance the efficiency of plant health management strategies.
4. Timely identification of issues helps in maintaining crop health and productivity.
5. Such testing encourages research and innovation in plant health solutions and practices.