India’s Clean Plant Program (CPP) is set to revolutionize the horticulture sector by leveraging advanced technology to enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops nationwide. Launched by the Union Cabinet and led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ambitious initiative is backed by a substantial investment of Rs. 1,765.67 crore, aiming to establish new standards for excellence and sustainability in agriculture.
The CPP will deploy cutting-edge technology to provide access to high-quality, virus-free planting materials, addressing persistent challenges in fruit production. By integrating advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools, the programme will ensure that Indian orchards produce superior, disease-free fruit, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the global market.
The CPP is designed to tackle longstanding issues in horticulture by providing access to high-quality, virus-free planting materials. This will revolutionize fruit production in India, ensuring that farmers, consumers and global markets alike benefit from superior produce. As India stands as the world’s second-largest producer of fruits, trailing only China, the initiative positions the country to lead in both quality and sustainability. The programme will be implemented by the National Horticulture Board in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Empowering Farmers and Boosting Yields
At the heart of the CPP’s mission is the empowerment of farmers. By supplying virus-free planting material, the programme aims to significantly increase crop yields and improve market prices. This translates to enhanced income opportunities for farmers who have faced the challenges of pest and disease management in their crops. The promise of better-quality produce not only boosts their earnings but also strengthens their foothold in the market.
Nurseries, integral to the horticultural supply chain, will also see transformative changes. The CPP will streamline certification processes and support infrastructure development, enabling nurseries to efficiently produce and distribute clean planting material. This, in turn, ensures a steady supply of high-quality plants to farmers and fosters long-term sustainability in the nursery sector.
For consumers, CPP ensures that fruits reaching them are not only virus-free but also enhanced in taste and nutritional value. This focus on quality aims to enhance consumer satisfaction and health.
The initiative also targets the global market, positioning India to strengthen its role as a leading exporter of fruits. With the introduction of higher-quality, disease-free produce, India is set to capture a larger share of the international fruit trade, opening new avenues for growth and economic expansion.
Clean Plant Centers Across India
Nine advanced Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) will be established across India. Each center will specialize in different fruit types and will be equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including tissue culture labs. These centers, located in strategic regions such as Pune, Srinagar, Bengaluru and Lucknow, will ensure that programme’s benefits are felt nationwide.
The CPP emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring that all farmers, regardless of their landholding size or socioeconomic status, have access to clean planting material. Special attention will be given to women farmers, involving them actively in planning, training, and decision-making processes.
The programme aligns with broader sustainability initiatives and horticulture schemes like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the One Health approach. By reducing dependence on imported planting materials and promoting sustainable practices, the CPP contributes to India’s goals of environmental stewardship and global leadership in horticulture. The CPP complements the ongoing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) Scheme. India’s horticulture sector has seen significant enhancements through various government schemes and initiatives like, National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (HCDP), Post-harvest Infrastructure Development Scheme, Soil Health Card Scheme, Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH).