OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES 2010

Transcription

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2 For Official Use NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES 2010 Ministry of Agriculture Department of Agriculture and Co operation Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi Website: April, 2010

3 Printed by : Aristo Printing Press A 9, DDA Shad, Okhla Industrial area, Phase I, New Delhi Phone : , ii

4 CONTENTS Sl.No. Description Pages FOREWORD v 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. MISSION OBJECTIVES 1 3. STRATEGY 1 4. MISSION STRUCTURE 2 National Level 2 General Council 2 Executive Committee 3 State Level 4 State Level Executive Committee 4 District Level 5 Technical Support Group (TSG) 5 5. PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION 6 Stretegy and Road Map 6 6. ROLE OF EXISTING NATIONALAGENCIES WORKING IN THE AREAS OF HORTICULTURE 7 National Horticulture Board 7 Directorate of Cashew & Cocoa Development 7 Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development 7 National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture (NCPAH) 7 Coconut Development Board (CDB) 7 Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) 7 Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) 8 Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) 8 National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) 8 National Horticultural Research & Development Foundation (NHRDF) 8 7. POSITION OF ONGOING SCHEMES 8 8. MISSION INTERVENTIONS 8 Research & Development 10 Production and Productivity Improvement 10 Production & Distribution of Planting Material 10 iii

5 Sl.No. Description Pages Nurseries 10 Tissue Culture Units 11 Vegetable Seed Production 11 Seed Infrastructure 13 Establishment of New Gardens 13 Mushroom Production 13 Rejuvenation/Replacement of senile plantations 14 Creation of Water Sources 14 Protected Cultivation 15 Precision Farming Development and Extension 15 Promotion of Integrated Nutrient Management/Integrated Pest Management 15 Organic Farming 15 Expand Good Agriculture Practices 17 Human Resource Development (HRD) in Horticulture 17 Pollination Support through Bee Keeping 19 Development and Multiplication of Nucleus Stock 19 Distribution of Bee Colonies, hives & equipments 20 Technology Dissemination through demonstrations 20 Horticulture Mechanisation 20 Integrated Post Harvest Management 21 Creation of Market Infrastructure 22 Export Promotion 24 Processing & Value Addition 24 Micro Irrigation MISSION MANAGEMENT 25 Support to Cooperatives and other National Level Organizations 25 Institutional Strengthening, hiring of vehicles 25 Collaboration with International Agencies 25 Evaluation & Other Studies OVERALL TARGETS UNDER NHM 26 ANNEXURES I Structure and Composition of NHM at the National, State and District Level 27 II Format for submitting Action Plan by State Horticulture Mission 28 III Cost Norms and Pattern of Assistance under NHM during XI Plan 32 IV Indicative Cost of Area Expansion of selected Fruit Crops per Hectare 42 iv

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8 NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES INTRODUCTION 1.1 National Horticulture Mission (NHM) will be implemented in accordance with revised guidelines described hereunder. 1.2 The Scheme will be operated in all States and Union Territories, except North Eastern States including Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, for which a separate Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture exists, to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushroom, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, cashew and cocoa. Similarly, programme for development of coconut will be implemented by Coconut Development Board (CDB). NHM is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in which Government of India contributes 85%, and 15% is met by the State Governments. 2. MISSION OBJECTIVES 2.1 Main objectives of Mission are: a) Provide holistic growth of horticulture sector through area based regionally differentiated strategies, which include research, technology promotion, extension, post harvest management, processing and marketing, in consonance with comparative advantage of each State/region and its diverse agro climatic features; b) Enhance horticulture production, improve nutritional security and income support to farm households; c) Establish convergence and synergy among on going and plan programmes, for horticulture development; d) Promote, develop and disseminate technologies for horticulture development, through seamless blending of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge; e) Create employment generation opportunities for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed youth; 3. STRATEGY 3.1 To achieve above objectives, the mission will adopt the following strategies: a) Adopt an end to end holistic approach covering production, post harvest management, processing and marketing to assure appropriate returns to growers/producers; b) Promote R&D technologies for production, post harvest management and processing; 1

9 c) Enhance acreage, coverage, and productivity through: i. Diversification, from traditional crops to plantations, orchards, vineyards, flower and vegetable gardens. ii. Extension of appropriate technology to farmers for high tech horticulture cultivation and precision farming. d) Improve post harvest management, processing for value addition and marketing infrastructure. e) Adopt a coordinated approach and promote partnership, convergence and synergy among R&D, processing and marketing agencies in public as well as private sectors, at the national, regional, state and sub state levels; f) Wherever appropriate and feasible, promote National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) model of cooperatives, to ensure support and adequate returns to farmers; g) Promote capacity building and Human Resource Development at all levels, including, if need be, change in syllabus and curriculum of graduation courses at Colleges and Universities. 3.2 Diversification and increase of acreage of orchards and plantation crops to increase production and productivity for minimizing the risk of small & marginal farmers and to address challenges of climate variability / change, maintaining thereby, ecological balance and reduction of green house gases. 4. MISSION STRUCTURE (I) (a) National Level General Council 4.1 The Mission will have General Council (GC) at National level under Chairmanship of Union Agriculture Minister, and composition of GC will be as follows: Minister of Agriculture : Chairman Ministers of Commerce, Health, Finance, Food Processing Industries, Panchayati Raj, Science & Technology, Rural Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. : Members Secretaries Ministry/Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Commerce, AYUSH, Finance, Food Processing Industries, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Bio Technology, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Chairperson, NABARD Director General, ICAR : Members 2

10 Growers representatives & Experts from Confederation of Indian Horticulture (CIH), Confederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) (14) : Members Joint Secretary, DAC & Mission Director (NHM) : Member Secretary 4.2 GC will be the policy formulation body giving overall direction and guidance to Mission, and will monitor and review its progress and performance. GC will be empowered to lay down and amend operational guidelines, other than those affecting financing pattern. GC will meet at least twice a year. Tenure of non official members of GC will be for 3 years from date of nomination and that for official members, till they hold the post. (b) Executive Committee: 4.3 Executive Committee (EC), headed by Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC), will oversee activities of the Mission and approve Action Plans of various states. The EC will comprise of the following: Secretary (A&C) : Chairperson Secretaries Ministry/Department of Commerce, AYUSH, Food Processing Industries, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Bio Technology. : Members Institutions Director General, ICAR; Director General, CSIR; Chairperson, NABARD; Additional Secretary (In charge of Horticulture, Department of Agri. & Cooperation); Additional Secretary & FA, Department of Agri. & Cooperation; Joint Secretary(Plant Protection), Horticulture Commissioner; Chairman, APEDA; Managing Director, NHB; Managing Director, NCDC; Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plants Board; Chairperson, CDB; Agriculture Marketing Advisor, Department of Agri. & Cooperation; Joint Secretary, National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture. : Members Three Experts (Production, Post Harvest Management and Marketing) : Members Joint Secretary, DAC & Mission Director : Member Secretary 4.4 EC is empowered to reallocate resources across States and components and approve projects on basis of approved subsidy norms. EC will use its discretion in approving components of a project, for which norms have not been prescribed and subsidy for these components will not be more than 50% of the cost, for Small & Marginal farmers and 30% of the cost, for other category farmers. EC is also empowered to approve special interventions for tackling emergent/unforeseen requirements and subsidy for such interventions will 3

11 not be more than 50% of approved cost. EC can also constitute Sub Committee(SC)/Empowered Committee (EMC) and delegate powers to SC/EMC, as well as to State Governments / State Horticulture Missions for approving projects. Tenure of Non official members will be for 3 years from the date of nomination. 4.5 Horticulture Division in DAC will provide the necessary support to EC and the GC and will administer NHM Scheme. EC will ensure smooth functional linkages among different agencies. EC shall meet as frequently, as required. (II) State Level State Level Executive Committee 4.6 State Level Executive Committee (SLEC) under Chairmanship of Agricultural Production Commissioner or PrincipalSecretary Horticulture/Agriculture, having representatives from other concerned Departments of State Government, the State Agricultural Universities (SAU), Institutes under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Growers Associations, etc will oversee implementation of NHM programmes of respective States. Central Government will nominate its representative who will be a Member in the SLEC. State Mission Director will be Member Secretary of SLEC. At operational level, State Governments will have freedom to nominate or create State Horticulture Mission (SHM), as a suitable autonomous agency to be registered under Societies Registration Act for implementing Mission programmes at State and District levels. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) existing in the State will be fully involved, in implementation structure. 4.7 State and sub state level structures will be evolved keeping in view need for getting adequate returns for produce of farmers and eliminating middlemen to the extent possible. National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) model of bringing farmers in cooperative fold, for promoting horticulture, wherever feasible, will be encouraged and supported. 4.8 State level agency will have the following functions: a) Prepare Strategic/Perspective and annual State Level Action Plan in consonance with Mission s goals and objectives and in close co ordination with Technical Support Group, SAUs and ICAR institutes and oversee its implementation; b) Organize base line survey and feasibility studies in different parts (District, sub District, or a group of Districts) to determine status of horticultural production, potential and demand, and tailor assistance accordingly. Similar studies would also be undertaken for other components of the programme; c) Receive funds from National Mission Authority, State Government and other sources for carrying on mission s activities, maintain proper accounts thereof and submit utilization certificate to concerned agencies. d) Release funds to implementing organizations and oversee, monitor & review implementation of the programmes. e) Assist and oversee implementation of Mission s programmes in the State through Farmers, Societies, 4

12 NGOs, growers associations, self help groups, State institutions and other similar entities; f) Organize Workshops, Seminars and training programmes for all interest groups/associations at State level, with help of SAUs, ICAR Institutes, KVKs and other institutions having technical expertise. g) Furnish monthly progress reports to DAC and also upload same by 5 th of each month, on NHM web site ( h) Operationalize Information Communication Technology (ICT) enabled Management Information System (MIS) up to grass root level and if need be develop and host its own web site. (III) District Level 4.9 At District level, District Mission Committee (DMC) will be responsible for carrying forward the objectives of the Mission for project formulation, implementation and monitoring. DMC may be headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zila Parishad/CEO of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) District Development Officer, having as members, representatives from concerned line Departments, growers associations, Marketing Boards, local Banks, Self Help Groups and other Non Governmental organizations. District Planning Committee and PRI will be involved in implementing the programme depending on their expertise and available infrastructure. District Horticulture Officer/District Agriculture Officer will be Member Secretary of DMC. (IV) Technical Support Group (TSG) 4.10 The Mission will have a strong technical component and domain experts will be central to management of the Mission. Technical support to Mission at National and State Levels will be provided by National Horticulture Board, which will be suitably strengthened by experts and technical personnel to advise, formulate, appraise and monitor implementation of Mission s programmes. Technical Support Group (TSG) will be housed in National Horticulture Board (NHB), which will have flexible norms for recruiting professionals, on contract. Service providers could also be engaged for providing technical services in accordance with terms of reference laid for the purpose and approved by EC. TSG would comprise of personnel at different levels, who will provide technical services and their honorarium will be fixed on basis of their qualifications, experience, last pay drawn, if retired from Government. Fresh graduates having knowledge in horticulture, computer professionals, MBA graduates, young professionals could also be a part of TSG. National level TSG will provide support at Central level TSG will have the following role and functions: a) Visit States regularly and frequently to provide guidance in organizational and technical matters. b) Compile materials for conduct of regional workshops in respect of different horticulture crops and different aspects viz. production, post harvest management, processing, marketing etc. They will also prepare Annual Calendar for capacity building, promotional events, workshops/seminars on different subjects in different regions of the country in consultation with State Horticulture Missions (SHMs). c) Mount Supervision & Evaluation of Mission. 5

13 d) Conduct studies on different aspects of horticulture in different regions. e) Document and disseminate case studies of success stories. f) Assist States in capacity building programmes. g) Undertake publicity/information campaign to promote Mission s objectives. h) Provide monthly feed back reports to Mission Director State Missions can also set up State level TSG on the pattern of national level TSG for project formulation, appraisal and concurrent monitoring. State Missions will have freedom to hire consultants for providing technical support at State as well as District levels and for this purpose, funds will be provided from States TSG component Indicative administrative structure of NHM at National, State and sub state level is given in Annexure I. 5. PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION Strategy and Roadmap 5.1 States will prepare perspective/strategic plan and road map for overall development of horticulture in respective state, duly projecting plan of action for XI th and XII th Plan period. Perspective plan/strategic plan will constitute State Horticulture Mission Document (SHMD), which will form the basis for preparing Annual Action Plans (AAP). The Strategy & Road Map formulated by States should invariably contain information on geography & climate, potential of horticulture development, availability of land, SWOC analysis, strategy for development and plan of action proposed to be taken to achieve goals in each district of the State. The document should focus on crops having comparative advantage and natural potential for development in the State, adoption of cluster approach for production and linking with available infrastructure, or to be created, for post harvest management, processing, marketing and export. While selecting the cluster, preference should be given to those areas where natural resource base and water resources have been developed under watershed development programmes, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), etc. Priority should be given for development of such crops, which are required to meet current and future demands. 5.2 In this context, AAP needs to be supported with data/write up on outcome of past interventions covering the details of area expansion (variety introduced, increase in productivity achieved and number of clusters created), water resource development as per felt need of the State (amount of irrigation potential created, whether linked with micro irrigation, maintenance etc), INM/IPM (including scientific infrastructure created and how these are being utilized for benefit of farmers) and organic farming. Area expansion should be determined based on availability of planting material and a seed/planting material sub plan shall be prepared separately as part of AAP. 5.3 Ministry of Agriculture will communicate tentative outlay for the year by April/May, if not earlier, to each State which in turn will indicate sector wise/district wise allocation. Agencies at District level will prepare 6

14 Annual Action Plan (AAP) keeping in view their priority and potential and submit the plan to State Horticulture Mission within allocated sum. The States may engage TSG/Consultancy services for preparing perspective/ strategic plan SHMD and AAP. State Horticulture Mission in turn will prepare a consolidated proposal for State as a whole, get it vetted by State Level Executive Committee (SLEC) and furnish 25 copies of same to Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) for consideration by National Level Executive Committee (EC). SHM will attempt to address all issues relating to horticultural development, covering production, post harvest management and marketing in AAP. Format for submission of Annual Action Plan to DAC is at Annexure II. 5.4 SHM will upload AAP, as communicated to National level EC indicating approval by SLEC, on web site exclusively created for the purpose and same will be revised, if required after approval by National level EC. Attempts will be made to display position regarding approvals of AAP, on web site. 6. ROLE OF EXISTING NATIONAL AGENCIES WORKING IN THE AREAS OF HORTICULTURE National Horticulture Board (NHB), Gurgaon 6.1 NHB will house national level TSG and arrange to make payments to personnel engaged and also for conducting other activities envisaged under TSG An officer of NHB will be exclusively dedicated for interacting with DAC. NHB will also implement programmes as per its mandate. Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development (DCCD), Kochi 6.2 DCCD will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring activities relating to plantation crops, excluding coconut and arecanut and will also be responsible for organizing National level training programmes, seminars & workshops on cashew and cocoa on regular intervals. Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD), Calicut 6.3 DASD will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the activities on development of arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants and will be responsible for organizing National level training programmes, seminars and workshops on Arecanut, spices and medicinal & aromatic plants on regular intervals. National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture (NCPAH), New Delhi 6.4 NCPAH will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring activities relating to precision farming and hitech horticulture through Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs). Coconut Development Board (CDB), Kochi 6.5 Although, CDB will function and implement its schemes on development of coconut, CDB will be involved in programmes related to coconut based farming system for inter cropping of vegetables, flowers spices, aromatic plants etc. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), New Delhi 6.6 APEDA, Ministry of Commerce will be involved in promoting coordinated development of Agri Export 7

15 Zones (AEZ) for horticultural crops and coordinate with National Horticulture Mission, for promoting export of horticulture crops. Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI), New Delhi 6.7 DMI will be responsible for providing market intelligence and monitoring of programmes relating to marketing of horticulture crops. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI), New Delhi 6.8 MFPI will be responsible for implementing and monitoring programmes relating to processing of horticultural produce, out of their own budget provision. MFPI will ensure convergence of their schemes with NHM cluster. National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), New Delhi 6.9 NMPB would implement its scheme relating to development of medicinal plants in coordination with NHM. National Horticulture Research & Development Foundation (NHRDF), Nasik 6.10 NHRDF will be involved for monitoring programmes relating to development of vegetables and vegetable seeds Schemes relating to horticulture of these organizations will be coordinated with that of NHM and these National level Agencies including others like NABARD, NCDC, NBB, NAFED, Spices Board, ICAR Institutes, MANAGE etc. will be funded from NHM budget, for taking up programmes/projects as per approved norms of NHM. 7. POSITION OF ONGOING SCHEMES 7.1 Presently, horticulture development programmes are being implemented through a number of Schemes viz. National Horticulture Board (NHB) programmes, Coconut Development Programmes, Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEHS). NHB programmes are entrepreneur driven and the Board would continue to implement its programmes. NHB will also provide logistic support for the Mission, by way of pooling experts and housing the Technical Support Group. HMNEHS, which focus on development of North Eastern and Himalayan States, will continue as a separate Scheme. Coconut Development Board (CDB), which has been created through an Act of Parliament for overseeing the development of coconut in the country, will continue to implement, independently, coconut development programmes. 8. MISSION INTERVENTIONS 8.1 The Mission will be demand and need based in each segment. Technology will play an important role in different interventions. Technologies such as Information Communication Technology (ICT), Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System will be widely used for planning and monitoring purposes including identification of sites for creating infrastructure facilities for post harvest management, markets and production forecasts. 8

16 8.2. The interventions envisaged for achieving desired goals would be varied and regionally differentiated with focus on potential crops to be developed in clusters by deploying modern and hi tech interventions and duly ensuring backward and forward linkages. Details of the components, their estimated cost along with the approved norms of assistance (as revised) are given in Annexure III. Base line data (Format at Annexure II) Key Elements of NHM Area based Annual and Perspective Plans based on end to end approach with backward and forward linkages (Para 3 & 5.1). Research to be guided by Research Advisory Committee on the basis of felt need by implementing agencies etc. such as ATMA and SHM and funded by respective organizations out of their own budget (Para.8.3). Demand driven production based on cluster approach for potential crops having comparative advantage in different areas (Para 8.4). Best quality seeds and planting material to be produced and made available (Para 8.5). Technology driven programmes to improve productivity and quality (Para 8.2), e.g. o Introduction of improved varieties. o Rejuvenation with improved cultivars. o High Density Plantations. o Use of Plastics. o Bee keeping for cross pollination o Capacity building of farmers and personnel (Para 8.31). o Mechanization (Para 8.53) Post Harvest Management (para 8.54 to 8.59) Marketing infrastructure development (Para 8.60 to 8.62). Meticulous reporting and monitoring (Para 4.8). Data base generation, compilation and analysis (Para 4.10 & 4.11). 9

17 Research & Development 8.3 Programmes under horticultural research will concentrate on technology generation as appropriate to each region/state, keeping in view their specific agro climatic and socio economic conditions. Emphasis will be on effective transfer and dissemination of production technologies available in India and abroad. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in association with SAUs and other research institutes/organizations in the public and private sectors having capabilities in this area, will be partners in research programmes. Field experience of growers will be drawn upon to shape and design necessary interventions. Research programmes towards this end will be guided by an apex Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and will address identified and emerging needs in planting material, production technology, post harvest technology, processing and value addition. Such research projects will work in tandem with Strategic Research Extension Programme (SREP) at District level under Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA) with focus on horticulture. Agencies taking up research projects would be provided assistance in accordance with ongoing schemes of ICAR/CSIR without any financial commitment out of NHM budget. In short, the idea is to identify research areas needing priority attention for achieving the Mission goals, which will be executed by existing research organizations. Production and Productivity Improvement 8.4 The Mission will specially focus on increasing both production and productivity through adoption of improved and appropriate technologies for ensuring quality, including genetic upgradation of all horticultural crops, addressing challenges of climate change. Special emphasis will be given on adoption of area based cluster approach for developing regionally differentiated crops, which are agro climatically most suitable for the State/region. Availability of good quality planting material being central to development of horticulture, will receive focused attention and efforts will be made to create necessary infrastructure in the form of nurseries and upgrade existing tissue culture units, which will be supplemented with plantation development programmes through addition of new areas under improved varieties to meet market demand. Production & Distribution of Planting Material Nurseries 8.5 Production and distribution of good quality seeds and planting material is an important component of the Mission. Most of the States have a network of nurseries for producing planting material, which were established through Central or State assistance. To meet requirement of planting material for bringing additional area under improved varieties of horticultural crops and for rejuvenation programme for old/senile plantations, assistance will be provided for setting up new nurseries under the Public as well as Private sector. Infrastructure for nurseries includes the following: (i) (ii) Proper fencing. Mother stock block maintenance under poly cover to protect from adverse weather conditions. (iii) Raising root stock seedlings under net house conditions. (iv) Propagation house, tropical polyhouse with ventilation having insect proof netting on sides and fogging and sprinkler irrigation system. 10

18 (v) Hardening/maintenance in insect proof net house with light screening properties and sprinkler irrigation system. (vi) Pump house to provide sufficient irrigation to the plants and water storage tank to meet at least 2 days requirement. (vii) Soil sterilization steam sterilization system with boilers. 8.6 It has been estimated that a nursery having an area of one ha with the above mentioned facilities would cost Rs.6.25 lakh. Assistance will be available for setting up a nursery having a minimum area of 1 ha and maximum area of 4 ha with a total cost of Rs. 25 lakh. The nurseries established under Public sector will be eligible for 100% assistance and for nurseries in Private sector, assistance will be 50% of the cost, as credit linked back ended subsidy. Nursery of size of 1 ha will be classified as small nursery and beyond that will be classified as large nursery. Cost norms of nurseries will of Rs lakh per ha. Each nursery will be required to produce a minimum number of 50,000 plants per ha per year of the mandated perennial fruit plant / tree spices/plantation crop through vegetative propagation each year. 8.6 It will be the responsibility of nurseries to ensure quality of planting material. In order to ensure supply of quality planting material, nurseries should be got accredited. Nurseries will also be regulated under legislation in force relating to seeds and planting material. Efforts should be to establish nurseries at production cluster itself. Type of nursery proposed to be established, should be clearly indicated in the Action Plan. The Plan should also contain an assessment of existing nurseries, crop wise number of planting material being produced and the additional requirement of nurseries. 8.7 Planting material for NHM will be procured from accredited nurseries. Only when adequate planting material is not available with accredited nurseries should it be procured from other sources after fully satisfying that planting material conforms to requisite quality parameters. SHM will, however, ensure that all nurseries set up under NHM will be accredited within period of one year through designated agencies like National Horticulture Board, State Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes etc. Tissue Culture Units 8.8 New Tissue Culture (TC) units will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs. 100 lakh per unit under the Mission. Besides, assistance will be provided for rehabilitation/ strengthening of existing TC Units subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs.15 lakh for TC Units in Public sector, whereas for TC units in Private sector it will be 50% of cost as credit linked back ended subsidy, with a ceiling of Rs.7.50 lakh. Each TC unit will produce a minimum of 15 lakh plants of the mandated crop for which protocols are available for commercial use. New TC unit projects will be sanctioned to only those public sector agencies, which have required technical manpower. No recurring expenditure for the manpower and contingencies will be borne under NHM. Each TC unit will be accredited as per standards and norms of Department of Bio Technology. Vegetable Seed Production 8.9 The programme of production of disease free seedlings in vegetables will specifically apply to hybrid cultivars of vegetables in which case the seed is very costly and there is low germination of seeds and heavy mortality 11

19 of seedlings take place when raised in open nurseries. Wherever necessary, plug technology and environment control for germination, growth and hardening of vegetable seedlings may be introduced. This will ensure production of seedlings in such a manner that early and late crops will be possible which in turn will ensure that production of vegetable takes place over a longer period and alternation of glut and scarcity period is minimized. In addition, hybrid seeds will be selected after trials, which will ensure higher yield The infrastructure facilities will consist of a green house with maximum area of 2000 sq. meter designed for tropical conditions, with insect netting on sides and rolling poly sheets. The plants will be propagated in plastic trays having small plugs and plugs will be of varying sizes for different crops. Sprinkler irrigation system will be installed. The infrastructure for media sterilization i.e. steam boiler, holding bins, etc will also be provided Estimated cost for vegetable seed production is Rs. 50,000/ per ha. The assistance for vegetable seed production will 100% of total cost to the public sector, whereas for the private sector, the assistance will be 50% of the cost as credit linked back ended subsidy, limited to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/ per ha. Assistance will be available for a maximum area of 5 ha per beneficiary Indenting organizations for breeder seed required for producing Foundation seed will be eligible for 25% of cost of procurement of breeder seeds from ICAR/SAU. Import of Planting Material 8.13 With a view to procure best quality planting material of latest varieties of horticultural crops, new component of providing assistance for meeting cost of planting material imported from abroad has been introduced. For this, assistance will be 100% of cost to State Government/ PSUs, subject to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakh per beneficiary. Registered Grower Associations will be eligible for 50% of cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 5 lakh per beneficiary The State Horticulture Mission will ensure timely availability of good quality seeds and planting material to farmers at reasonable price. DOs DOs & DON Ts WITH REGARD TO PLANTING MATERIAL i. A variety wise assessment of requirement and availability of planting material should be made to justify setting up of new nurseries/tc units. This should form a part of the AAP for each year. ii. iii. iv. All nurseries should have mother blocks. All nurseries/tc units should produce the minimum required quantity of the mandated crops. The planting material should be made available to the farmers at a reasonable price. v. Planting material as far as possible should be supplied to the farmers only through accredited nurseries. vi. Nurseries set up with Mission funds should be got accredited within a period of one year. 12

20 DON Ts i. Planting material of seedling origin should not be used for perennial fruit crops. ii. iii. Long distance transportation of planting material should be avoided. Quality of planting material should not be compromised on any account. Seed Infrastructure 8.15 To facilitate proper handling, storage and packaging of seeds, assistance will be provided for creating infrastructure like drying platforms, storage bins, packaging unit and related equipments. 100% assistance will be provided to public sector subject to a maximum of Rs. 200 lakh and assistance to private sector will be credit linked back ended 50% of cost, limited to Rs. 100 lakh per beneficiary. Establishment of New Gardens 8.16 The Mission envisages coverage of large areas under improved varieties of horticultural crops. The assistance for cultivation will be for a maximum area of 4 ha per beneficiary, spread over a period of three years in ratio of 60:20:20 in first, second and third year depending upon nature of crop. Assistance for second year will be subject to 75% survival of the new gardens and for the third year assistance will be subject to 90% survival of plants (including TC based crops). Crop wise details of assistance for bringing new areas under horticultural crops like fruits, flowers, spices, aromatic plants, and plantation crops like cashew and cocoa is detailed in Annexure III. Cost of raising new plantations will vary from crop to crop. Cost norms indicated in Annexure III are indicative. Indicative cost norm for different fruit crops is provided in Annexure IV. The assistance for bringing new areas under fruit crops will be limited to 50% of cost for all crops except fruit crops with normal spacing, in which case assistance will be 75% of the cost. Mushroom Production 8.17 In case of mushroom, assistance will be provided for setting up of individual spawn and compost making unit and also for integrated mushroom unit, spawn production unit, compost making unit and training unit as per the details given in Annexure III. DOs DOs & DON'Ts WITH REGARD TO NEW GARDENS i. New areas should be brought under horticulture crops with a view to introduce latest high yielding varieties of suitable crops, with the aim of enhancing productivity rather than increasing the area under conventional varieties. ii. The planting material should be used from accredited nurseries and its availability should be ensured well in advance and duly reflected in AAP. 13

21 iii. iv. New areas should be taken up in identified clusters of mandated crop, on a contiguous basis. Micro Irrigation should be integrated to ensure better survival. v. Payment should be released to the beneficiary in suitable installments after ensuring the survival as per the prescribed norms. DON'Ts i. New gardens should not be taken up in isolated patches in less than 10 ha. blocks. ii. Procurement of planting material should not be left to the discretion of the farmers. Rejuvenation / Replacement of Senile Plantations 8.18 Low productivity of perennial fruits, like mango, citrus, apple and plantation crops, like coconut and cashew nut is, primarily, due to small size of holdings, preponderance of old and senile trees and poor management of inputs such as water, nutrients and pesticides. Thickly shaded mango orchards in the Malihabad areas of Uttar Pradesh, seedling orchards of guava, pear, kinnow and other citrus fruits throughout the country, including disease affected pepper, cardamom and cashew plantations are commonly seen in large tracts in different parts of the country, which brings average productivity down Under NHM, it is required to take up productivity improvement programmes through removal of senile plantations, re plantation with fresh stock supported with appropriate and integrated combination of inputs, pruning and grafting techniques. The programme will be implemented through individual farmers, farmers cooperatives, self help groups, NGOs, growers associations and commodity organizations. Assistance for rejuvenating/replanting senile plantations will 50% of the cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs.15,000/ per ha, limited to 2 ha per beneficiary and assistance will be available only in respect of rejuvenating/replanting senile and unproductive plantations through proven technologies. However, assistance is to be claimed depending upon nature and requirement of particular crop. Creation of Water Sources 8.20 Under the Mission, assistance will be provided for creating water sources through construction of community tanks, farm ponds/reservoirs with plastic RCC lining to ensure life saving irrigation to horticulture crops. This will be in conjunction with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) and wherever possible adequate convergence has to be ensured. These water bodies may be linked with Micro Irrigation facility for judicious use of water. Cost is estimated at Rs.15 lakh per unit for an area of 10 ha of command with pond/tank size of 100 m x 100m x 3 m; owned and managed by community / farmers group. For smaller size of the ponds/tanks, cost will be admissible on pro rata basis, depending upon command area. Assistance under NHM will be limited to cost of plastic / RCC lining. However, for non MNREGS beneficiaries, 100% assistance will be provided including the cost of plastic / RCC lining. Maintenance of the water source will be responsibility of the community. 14

22 8.21 Assistance would also be provided for creating water source through construction of farm ponds/dug wells for individuals. The cost is estimated at Rs.1.20 lakh per unit in plain areas and Rs 1.38 lakh in hilly areas for storage of water in 20mx20mx3m ponds/dug 100/ cubic meter for command area of 2 ha. For smaller size of the ponds/dug wells, cost will be admissible on pro rata basis depending upon the command area. This will also be in conjunction with MNREGS. However, for non MNREGS beneficiaries, assistance@ 50% of cost will be provided including the cost of plastic / RCC lining. Maintenance of the asset will be responsibility of beneficiary. Protected Cultivation 8.22 Activities like construction of shade net house, green houses, mulching, and plastic tunnels, anti bird/ hail nets would be promoted under the mission, and assistance for which is indicated in Annexure III. Provision has been made for selecting a variety of construction material for green houses and shade net houses. Saperate provision has been made for meeting the cost of cultivation under green house and shade nets, which includes cost of planting material and inputs. Preference will be given to use locally available material, to minimize cost of construction of such structures. Precision Farming Development and Extension through PFDCs 8.23 Precision farming technology, as a package, is yet to be applied on commercial scale in farmers field. Existing Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDC) will therefore be involved to develop regionally differentiated technologies for its validation and dissemination. PFDCs are existing presently, in 22 locations which are mostly in SAUs, ICAR Institute and IIT, Kharagpur. On account of their experience in conducting applied research on plasticulture application, they have expertise in terms of manpower and equipment. PFDCs will be equipped further with necessary hardware and software needed for generating information on precision farming techniques in the farmers field. Ultimate goal is to make available all needed information to farmers so that they are in a position to apply necessary inputs. Other organisations like ICAR Institutes and Institutes in private sector will also be involved in technology development. For this purpose financial assistance would be provided to PFDCs from NHM on project basis through NCPAH. Promotion of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 8.24 Assistance for INM and IPM will 50% of cost subject to maximum ceiling of Rs.1000/ per ha limited to 4 ha per beneficiary. Assistance will also be available for developing facilities like disease forecasting units, Bio control labs, Plant Health Clinics and Leaf/Tissue Analysis labs, as per pattern of assistance indicated in Annexure III Assistance for setting up sanitary and phyto sanitary certification facilities will be provided to the Public Sector, on project basis, subject to maximum ceiling of Rs. 500 lakh per unit. Organic Farming 8.26 Organic farming in horticulture is becoming increasingly important. Its environmental and economic benefits have captured attention in many countries. Consumers demand for organically produced food products 15

23 and society s demand for more sustainable development provide new opportunities for farming and business around the world Basic rule of organic production is that natural inputs are to be applied and synthetic inputs are totally prohibited. But there are exceptions in both cases, certain natural inputs determined by various certification programmes, found harmful to human health or environment are prohibited (e.g. Arsenic). Certain synthetic inputs determined to be essential and consistent with organic farming philosophy are allowed (e.g. Insect pheromones). An organic production system will be designed to: Enhance biological diversity within the system; Increase soil biological activity; Maintain long term soil fertility; Recycle plant and animal waste; Rely on renewable resources in locally organized system; Promote healthy use of soil, water and air and minimize all forms of pollution; Handle agricultural products with emphasis on careful processing methods in order to maintain organic integrity and vital qualities of the product at all stages In order to help growers, obtaining required certification for organically produced crops, awareness has to be generated through training and distribution of information material. For adopting organic farming for perennial and non perennial fruit crops, aromatic plants, spices etc., additional assistance will be 50% of cost over and above the area expansion programme limited to Rs. 10,000 per hectare for 4 ha per beneficiary, spread over a period of three years i.e. Rs. 4000/ in first year and Rs.3000/ per ha each in second and third year. For organic cultivation of vegetables, maximum assistance will be limited to Rs. 10,000/ per ha spread over a period of three years. Assistance will be used for generating on farm inputs. NHM will also provide financial assistance up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakhs for group of farmers, covering an area of 50 ha, duly recommended by State Government, on a case to case basis, for certification of organic process/produce. This assistance will be given over a period of three Rs lakh each in first and second year and Rs. 2 lakh in third year, to meet cost of documentation, training and charges of service provider and certification agencies accredited by APEDA. Comprehensive guidelines already issued in this regard need to be scrupulously followed For vermi compost units/ organic production units, assistance will 50% of cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 30,000 per beneficiary for a unit having size of 30 x 8 x 2.5. For smaller units, assistance will be on pro rata basis. For HDPE Vermibed of 96 cft size (12 x4 x2 ), the cost will be Rs. 10,000/ per bed. Specification and design parameter of Agro Textiles HDPE woven beds for vermiculture will conform to BIS standards (IS 15907:2010). 16

24 DOs & DON'Ts WITH REGARD TO ORGANIC FARMING DOs i. Only such crops should be taken up for organic farming, which would fetch premium price to the farmer. ii. iii. iv. Market linkage for the organic produce should be ensured before venturing into organic farming. Adoption of organic farming should be in conjunction with organic certification by accredited agencies. Organic farming invariably be linked with generation of on farm organic input material. DON'Ts i. Organic farming should not be taken up in isolated patches. ii. Organic farming should not get limited to procurement and supply of organic inputs. Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) 8.30 A new component of GAP certification has been introduced under NHM, to encourage farmers to adopt good agricultural practices in line with global GAP, so that farmers are able to get better price for their produce in domestic as well as international market. Assistance for this purpose will 50% of cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 5000/ha, for maximum area of four ha per beneficiary. Certification agencies to be involved for this will be as per approved list accredited by APEDA. Human Resource Development (HRD) in Horticulture 8.31 Human resource development through trainings and demonstrations is an integral part of the Mission. Under this programme, training of farmers, entrepreneurs, field level workers and officers will be taken up. Programme for providing appropriate training to farmers for adoption of high yielding varieties of crops and farming system will be taken up at district level, state level and outside the state. Programme for training of officials concerned with implementation field level workers who will in turn train/guide farmers will also be taken up. An important activity under training component is to provide resource materials to farmers and to acquaint them about various farming techniques through exhibitions and demonstrations. In order to ensure wider and full participation, publicity about training programmes will also be required. Assistance to agencies involved in training programme will be Rs.400/ per farmer trained within the district, Rs. 750 per farmer trained within the state and Rs.1000 per farmer outside state. This activity will be carried out both by government sector as well as private and NGOs depending upon the capabilities of organisation. Successful and progressive farmers' field may also be used as training centers. In order to familiarize/train farmers, about production practices being followed in other districts and states, field visits outside the district and state may also be taken up. Training cumvisit will be organized for a period ranging between 2 to 5 days. 17

25 8.32 Technical staff and field functionaries/extension workers will be trained in modern technological advances in horticulture at various ICAR Institutes in or outside the state. For this purpose, actual cost limited to Rs. 200 per day per participant, plus TA/DA, as admissible will be provided. For study tour of technical staff/field functionaries outside state, actual cost limited to Rs.650 per day plus TA/DA as admissible per participant will be provided Assistance for organizing training courses for Supervisors, Entrepreneurs, Gardeners and Field Functionaries will be continued during XI Plan Training programme for Supervisors, Entrepreneurs will be organised through selected State Agricultural Universities (SAU) / ICAR Institutes and Gardeners training through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and SAUs, while departmental staff will be trained under various ongoing training programmes. Training expenses for these trainings will be met by Mission Minimum qualification for Supervisory & Entrepreneurs training programme would be Higher Secondary and for Gardeners it would be Class VIII (Middle) standard. The indicative cost for organizing training courses for Supervisors and Entrepreneurs would be to Rs.20 lakh, as per following breakup: Cost Structure for Training of Supervisors and Entrepreneurs Sl.No. Item Cost (Rs/lakh) 1. Rs.1500/ p.m (One year course for 25 trainees) Support to Institutes for strengthening infrastructure (one time) Course Material Operational Support 5.25 Total Similarly, indicative cost for organizing training course for Gardeners will be Rs. 15 lakh, as per following details: Cost Structure for Training of Gardeners (two courses in one year) Sl.No. Item Cost (Rs/lakh) 1. Rs.1000/ p.m (Two course for 25 trainees each) Support to Institutes for strengthening infrastructure (one time) Course Material Operational Support 5.25 Total

26 8.37 Training institutions have been given option to draw up course details within this structure, in consultation with DAC The States which already have strong horticultural production base and have institutional set up for training in horticulture, will be organizing training programmes in horticulture Institutions identified for training should have basic infrastructure facilities like class rooms, staff, hostel facilities etc The courses will be of one year duration for Supervisors and of six months for Gardeners and of three months for Entrepreneurs. In order to attract the candidates and more importantly retain them and prevent their drop out, a monthly stipend will be provided in form of Boarding & Lodging Charges, in concerned Institute. These courses will be residential. At the end of the training, Supervisors will be awarded a Diploma in horticulture and Gardeners and Entrepreneurs a Certificate of training in horticulture. About 25 Supervisors, 50 Gardeners and 25 Entrepreneurs will be trained in each participating institution annually These trained people will be potential candidates for employment by States and other organisations engaged in horticulture development In case States wish to organize specialized training courses on horticulture related subjects, assistance will be provided for same to concerned Institutes directly based on recommendation of concerned State (s). Such training would generally be of short duration of 7 10 days for 20 to 25 participants Trainers, who are required to train others, can be deputed for training abroad also, to a limited extent, for which assistance would be made available for meeting the travel cost and course fee. Concerned State Departments of Horticulture/Agriculture/SHM function as nodal agency for this purpose. Funds will be made available to SHMs for meeting expenses of candidates involved in implementation of Mission programmes based on their specific proposal. Pollination Support through Bee keeping 8.44 In order to maximize agricultural production, honey bee can be used as an important input. The overall responsibility of coordinating the bee keeping development programme in State will be vested in the identified State Designated Agency (SDA) or any institution/society having capability. Nodal State Designated Agencies (SDA) who have been implementing bee keeping programmes, will be integrated in NHM and representatives of the respective SDAs will be Members of the State Level Executive Committee. Development and Multiplication of Nucleus Stock 8.45 All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) Centres and other institutes in public and corporate sector will be involved for developing nucleus stock of selected bee species (A. cerana and A. mellifera). These Institutes will have to submit specific proposal indicating their existing infrastructure and deficiencies therein which need to be removed and assistance will be considered on project to project basis, subject to maximum limit of Rs.10 lakh. 19

27 8.46 Bee breeders from corporate/private sector shall be registered with SDA, and they will be selected based on their technical expertise, qualified personnel and infrastructure. Registered bee breeders shall be eligible for financial assistance in the form of grant in aid to a maximum of 50% of the cost of additional facilities required limited to Rs.3 lakh per breeder, mainly for strengthening infrastructure facilities. Each bee breeder will be required to multiply and produce minimum 3000 colonies per annum for a period of five years. If, however, a breeder is not in a position to meet the above target, SDA will take appropriate steps to reduce the assistance proportionately. Distribution of Bee Colonies, Hives & Equipments 8.47 Superior bee colonies produced by selected bee breeders as defined above, will be distributed to farmers/ beekeepers and to encourage purchase of superior bee colonies, subsidy support will be provided at rate of 50 percent of cost subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 700/ per colony of four frames. The colonies of Apis cerana are cheaper and hence subsidy amount in such cases will be less. Registered beekeepers shall be given proper identification number by SDA for each of their hives Standard bee hives is pre requisite for upkeep of bee colonies. Therefore, with a view to ensure supply of quality hives, subsidy support will be provided at rate of 50% of the cost of hives or Rs. 800/ per hive, whichever is less. The manufacturers of repute involved in supply of bee hives and related equipments will be registered with SDA. The SDA shall ensure that only those manufacturers who manufacture hives of standard specification are registered. Each beneficiary will receive subsidy support for 50 colonies and hives While supplying honey bees, preference will be given to those farmers/bee keepers that have undergone training on bee keeping % of the cost, limited to Rs. 7000/ will be provided for beekeeping equipment like honey extractor and food grade containers Some of the activities of Beekeeping will also be implemented by the National Bee Board and this Board will be coordinating agency for all activities of Beekeeping under the Mission. Technology Dissemination through Demonstrations/ Front line demonstration 8.52 Latest technologies will be promoted on crop specific cultivation, use of IPM/INM, protected cultivation, organic farming through farmer participatory demonstration in a compact area of one ha, which will be organized at strategic locations in farmer s field for which assistance will be limited to 75% of cost. For green house cultivation, area will be limited to 500 sq. meter. Farms in public sector, SAUs could be sites for front line demonstrations, for which 100% assistance will be provided, and maximum assistance will not exceed Rs. 25 lakh per project. Horticulture Mechanization 8.53 Horticulture mechanization has been included as a new activity to promote mechanization of horticulture 20

28 related activities to improve farm efficiency and reduce drudgery of farm work force. Assistance in this regard will be provided for activities such as procurement of power operated machines & tools, besides import of new machines as per details given in Annexure III. Assistance for horticulture mechanization will also be available to such grower associations, farmer groups, self help groups, women farmer groups having at least 10 members, who are involved in cultivation of horticultural crops, recognized/ registered by the DMCs, provided balance 50% of the cost of machines and tools is borne by them. SHM will enter in to MoU with such association/groups to ensure proper upkeep, running and maintenance of the machines and tools. Integrated Post Harvest Management 8.54 Post harvest management includes packaging, grading, transportation, curing and ripening and storage. These facilities are essential for increasing marketability of horticulture produce, adding value to produce, increasing profitability and reducing losses. It is proposed to create a network of infrastructural facilities for storage of horticulture produce, transportation, marketing, packaging and grading and export. The schemes of the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will be made use of to the maximum possible extent. In this context, specific programmes which would be taken up under NHM would include establishment of pack houses, pre cooling units, mobile pre cooling units, cold storage units, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage/Modified Atmosphere (MA) Storage/supply of refrigerated vans/containers, primary/mobile processing units, ripening chambers, evaporative/low energy cool chambers, preservation units, onion storage units and zero energy cool chambers. All these projects will be entrepreneur driven through commercial ventures for which Governmental assistance will be credit linked back ended subsidy in accordance with the cost norms given in Annexure III. PSUs and State Government agencies, Cooperatives, growers association, farmers group, self help groups, women farmers groups, recognized/registered by the DMCs, having at least 25 members, will also be entitled to avail assistance for such activities to the same extent. However, assistance will not be credit linked for such agencies but would be back ended subject to condition that they are able to meet their share of the project cost Assistance for setting up of new cold storage/ CA Storage/ MA storage will be available only to multichamber cold storage units with latest/new technologies, which are energy efficient with provision for insulation, humidity control, advanced cooling systems etc., having specifications and standards approved by the Ministry The cold storages need to ensure the following: a) Coils and diffuser systems which have efficient heat transfer surface area and air circulation must be used for maintaining uniform temperature and humidity conditions. 21

29 b) Refrigeration equipments should be capable of handling varying cooling requirements in the cold storage. Refrigerant used must be eco friendly. Moreover, refrigeration system should be equipped with monitoring and control mechanism to ensure maximum efficiency. c) Compressors should be multi cylinder of reciprocating or screw type with appropriate capacity. d) Condensers need to be properly designed to moderate operating hours of cold store and thus reduce power consumption. e) Proper thermal insulation need to be used with provision for vapour barrier on the outer side and cladding/cover material on the inner side. Besides, appropriate BIS standards for insulation (IS 661:2000) and appropriate method of deployment of thermal insulation in accordance with IS 661 and IS on code of practices should be ensured. f) Qualified and trained personnel should be involved for proper running and maintenance of the storage unit. g) At least two chambers need to be provided even if the capacity of the storage is low. h) Each chamber should be provided with suitable controls and display instruments for temperature and humidity. i) The cold storage should have proper mezzanine floors for bulk storage of produce in bags/boxes with proper spacing between the floors. j) The cold stores should have adequate space for processing area involving mechanized sorting, grading, washing, packing/ bagging lines For upgradation of thermal insulation of cold storage, the project cost will be limited to Rs. 1000/MT and for upgradation of cooling system, air flow, electric installation, handling devices, safety devices, etc the project cost will be limited to Rs. 2000/MT Detailed guidelines in this regard with specifications and protocol are available on NHM website at ( and NHB web site ( Assistance could also be availed for a combination of PHM infrastructure by a beneficiary, within the prescribed norms of individual item. Creation of Market Infrastructure 8.60 Programmes for marketing are also project based. State Missions, after approval by the SLEC of the State will submit viable projects to EC Main objectives of providing assistance under this component are (a) to induce investments from private and cooperative sectors in the development of marketing infrastructure for horticulture commodities (b) Strengthen 22

30 existing horticulture markets including wholesale, rural haats; (c) focus on promotion of grading, standardization and quality certification of horticulture produce at farm/market level to enable farmers to realize better price; and (d) create general awareness among farmers, consumers, entrepreneurs and market functionaries on market related Agricultural Practices Assistance under the Scheme will be provided as credit linked back ended subsidy for whole sale markets, rural markets/apni mandis and retail markets. In case of Terminal markets, assistance will be provided in accordance with approved norms, for which guidelines have been issued separately. Assistance will also be provided for static mobile vending cart platform with cool 50% of cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 15,000 per unit. i) Assistance for setting up functional infrastructure will 40% of cost as credit linked back ended subsidy. Marketing Infrastructure for purpose of this Scheme may comprise of any of the following: (a) (b) (c) Functional infrastructure for collection/ assemblage, drying, cleaning, grading and standardization, SPS measures and quality certification, labeling, packaging, ripening chambers, retailing and wholesaling, value addition facilities (without changing the product form). Assistance for different activities and development of market infrastructure will be in accordance with details given at Annexure III. Market users common facilities in the project area like shops/ offices, platforms for loading/ un loading/ assembling and auctioning of produce, parking sheds, internal roads, garbage disposal arrangements, including drinking water, sanitation arrangements, weighing and mechanical handling equipments. Infrastructure for Direct Marketing of horticulture commodities from producers to consumers/ processing units/bulk buyers. ii) Assistance for setting up markets will only be given to those States only, which have amended their State Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act for facilitating alternate marketing by farmers/farmer groups involved in horticulture. Reforms should facilitate the farmers to sell their produce without paying levy or cess. While user charges can be levied on market yards, Mandies/ Markets run by the Government bodies should not levy any cess on farmers in case of transactions outside mandi yards. Besides, private players need to be encouraged to set up markets for horticulture produce. iii) Assistance will be available to individuals, Group of farmers/growers/consumers, Partnership/ Proprietary firms, Non Government Organisations (NGOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Companies, Corporations, Cooperatives, Cooperative Marketing Federations, Local bodies, Agricultural Produce Market Committees(APMC) & Marketing Boards and State Governments. Project 23

31 submitted by only those APMCs will be considered for assistance, which do not levy market cess on horticulture produce. iv) Cost of land involved in infrastructure projects will be restricted to 10 percent of project cost in rural areas and 20 percent in Municipal areas. The entrepreneur will not alienate land during period of loan for any purpose other than the purpose for which project is sanctioned. A separate undertaking from entrepreneur is required to be included in this regard in the DPR. Size of project will be determined on basis of economic viability and commercial considerations; 8.63 A new component of quality control / analysis lab has been included under the Mission wherein assistance will be provided for setting up quality control labs having necessary infrastructure and manpower facility to check quality of horticultural produce vis à vis international standards In back ended credit linked projects, the subsidy amount will not exceed term loan. For subsidy under Integrated Post Harvest Management projects, capacity indicated in Annexure III(C) will be calculated on maximum average working days capacity in a year. Export Promotion 8.65 Special impetus would be provided to promote the export of horticultural produce through Agri Export Zones, for which there is potential global market. Special groups will be set up for purpose of examining and recommending appropriate legal and promotional measures for facilitating export of different horticultural products for consideration of EC, GC and Government. State Mission Authorities will also make appropriate recommendations to National Mission authorities for promoting exports of State s produce State Mission authorities may align their marketing strategies keeping in view programmes of national level agencies namely, National Horticulture Board, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Tribal Co operative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) and Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Schemes of National Horticulture Board (NHB), Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and Small Farmers Agri Business Consortium (SFAC) should be used to maximum possible extent. Processing & Value Addition 8.67 Processing of horticultural produce and value addition is an important activity. While primary / minimal processing units will be promoted under NHM, large scale processing units will be promoted by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI), out of their ongoing Schemes. Micro Irrigation 8.68 Drip and Sprinkler irrigation form essential input for improving productivity and quality of horticultural 24

32 produce. Funding for promoting this technology will be provided through a separate Scheme National Mission on Micro Irrigation of Government of India. 9. MISSION MANAGEMENT Support to State Horticulture Mission/implementing Agencies 9.1 For managing various activities of Mission at State & District Mission offices and implementing agencies for administrative expenses, field consultants, project preparation, computerization, contingency etc 5% of total annual expenditure will be provided to State Horticulture Mission/implementing Agencies. State/ implementing agencies will make provision for this in their Annual Action Plan. Institutional Strengthening 9.2 Mission Head Quarter at National and State level will be strengthened including database development, use of Information Technology, development of software and procurement of hardware, hiring of vehicle etc, for which funding will be made under TSG component of the Mission. Support to Cooperatives and other National Level Organizations for Infrastructure Development 9.3 NHM, in exceptional cases shall provide funds to National level organizations including cooperatives for taking up innovative projects in the area of horticulture development, post harvest management, processing and marketing depending upon the soundness of its financial position and previous experience. Funding will be provided under the relevant components of the Mission. Collaboration with International Agencies 9.4 Attempts will be made to collaborate with international agencies like FAO, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and countries which have a developed modern horticulture sector for taking up programmes for development of horticulture. FAO has a Unilateral Trust Fund (UTF) programme under which there is provision to operate projects on mutually agreed terms and conditions. Under collaborative programme, activities to be undertaken would include import of planting material, hiring of International Domain Experts, organize study tours, organize training programmes under aegis of NHM. Funds for this purpose will be earmarked in Annual Budget of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India (DAC), under TSG component of the Mission. Evaluation & Other Studies 9.5 Term end evaluation will be conducted at end of the XI Plan. Concurrent evaluation will also be carried out by engaging suitable agencies. Assistance for such studies will be on project basis. NHM will commission short term studies on various aspects of horticulture depending on need and emerging requirements. Such studies will also be on project basis. Monitoring Missions, comprising of experts will be sent to States from time to time by National Mission, which will be organized through TSG housed in NHB. State will also conduct evaluation studies on project basis under State level TSG component. 25

33 10. OVERALL TARGETS UNDER NHM 10.1 The tentative national level targets for the Mission during the XI Plan are broadly as follows: BROAD TARGETS (Area in lakh ha) Programmes Nurseries (no) 2487 Tissue Culture Units (no) 25 Area expansion with improved varieties with focus on increase in productivity (ha) Rejuvenation (ha) 5.20 Organic farming (ha) 2.21 Integrated Pest Management (ha) Creation of water sources (no) 8235 Distribution of Bee Colonies with hives ( 000 no) 340 Horticulture Mechanization (no) 7215 HRD Training of Farmers ( 000 no) 846 PHM Infrastructure (no) 6182 Markets (no)

34 27