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Cabinet Approves ₹1,765.67 Crore Clean Plant Programme to Boost Horticulture Sector

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing India’s horticulture sector, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with a substantial outlay of ₹1,765.67 crore. The initiative is set to enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops nationwide, addressing key challenges that have impacted the sector’s growth.

The programme, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was initially announced by the Finance Minister during the Union Budget speech in February 2023. The CPP is designed to combat virus infections in horticultural crops, a major issue that has adversely affected both productivity and the quality of produce in the sector.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, highlighted the importance of the CPP in ensuring the health and vitality of India’s fruit crops. “The Clean Plant Programme is a transformative initiative that will address the persistent issue of virus infections in horticultural crops. By improving the quality and productivity of these crops, we are not only supporting our farmers but also boosting the overall horticulture sector,” he stated.

The CPP will involve the establishment of Clean Plant Centres across the country, which will be responsible for producing disease-free planting material for farmers. These centres will utilize advanced technologies and follow stringent protocols to ensure that the plants are free from viruses and other pathogens. This, in turn, is expected to significantly reduce crop losses, enhance yields, and improve the income of farmers engaged in horticulture.

The Clean Plant Programme aligns with the government’s broader vision of modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security by improving the quality and sustainability of crop production. The programme is also expected to contribute to the nation’s export potential by providing high-quality, disease-free fruits that meet international standards.

With this initiative, the government aims to strengthen India’s position as a leading producer of fruits, ensuring that the horticulture sector remains a vital contributor to the agricultural economy. The approval of the CPP underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the horticulture sector and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.

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