In news
The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare virtually launched the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (CDP) recently
A brief note on the programme
- In a pilot phase, the programme will be implemented in 12 horticulture clusters out of the total 53 clusters selected for the programme.
- These 12 clusters will be implemented through Cluster Development Agencies (CDAs) which are appointed on the recommendations of the respective State/UT Government.
- A central sector programme implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, CDP aims at growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive.
- The programme will address all major issues related to the Indian horticulture sector including pre-production, production, post-harvest management, logistics, marketing and branding.
- The programme is designed to leverage geographical specialisation and promote integrated and market-led development of horticulture clusters.
- CDP will benefit about 10 lakh farmers and related stakeholders of the value chain.
- The programme is expected to converge with other initiatives of the Government such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund(AIF)
- AIF is a medium – long term financing facility for investment in projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets
- It will leverage the central sector scheme of the Ministry for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Significance of the programme
The Cluster Development Programme has a huge potential to transform the entire horticulture ecosystem improving its global competitiveness by building last-mile connectivity with the use of multimodal transport for the efficient and timely evacuation and transport of horticulture produce.
Source: PIB
