Horticulture Cluster Development Program

The Horticulture Cluster Development Program was virtually launched by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, on the 31st of May 2021. It was launched as an initiative to ensure a holistic approach to the growth of horticulture.

A total of 53 clusters have been selected for the programme, out of which only 12 horticulture clusters will be implemented during the pilot phase. The programme aims at enhancing the global competitiveness of the overall horticulture sector of India.

Horticulture Cluster Development Program - 12 Clusters of Pilot Phase

The 12 horticulture clusters which have been identified for implementation in the first phase include:

Horticulture Cluster Development Program Plan for the Implementation

Based on the derivatives from the pilot project, the program will be expanded to include all 53 clusters within its scope over the next 5-7 years. To implement the Horticulture Cluster Development Program, a government entity will be appointed as the CDA ( Cluster Development Agency) that too on the recommendations of the state or central government.

This will further facilitate the institutionalisation of learning that can form the basis for the future development of new clusters within the country. Agriculture secretary Sanjay Aggarwal has already announced the appointment of CDA for the 12 selected horticulture clusters.

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Horticulture Cluster Development Program Objective

• The Horticulture Cluster Development Program will offer benefits to about 10 lakh farmers and related stakeholders from the value chain.
• The program is also launched, aiming to improve the export of targeted crops by around 20% and create cluster-specific brands to enhance the competitiveness of cluster crops.
• The program will be designed to leverage geographically driven specialisation and promote integrated and market-led horticulture cluster development.
• The Horticulture Cluster Development Program will address all important issues regarding the horticulture sector. It will address issues in various stages, from pre-production to marketing and branding.
• The program is estimated to generate investments worth Rs. 10,000 crore when it will be implemented across all the 53 clusters.
• To work in convergence with other similar initiatives of the Government like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

Horticulture Cluster Development Program Significance

The Minister of State for Agriculture asserted the need for developing such clusters all over the country to enable farmers of small size holdings to enjoy the benefits through the formation of FPOs Along with achieving the economies of scale, the program will also create cluster-specific brands.

FAQs on Horticulture Cluster Development Program

Q.1. In terms of the recently announced Horticulture Cluster Development Program, what does horticulture signify?

Ans. In terms of the recently announced Horticulture Cluster Development Program, Horticulture is a branch of plant agriculture that deals with garden crops like vegetables and fruits and ornamental plants.

Q.2. When was Horticulture Cluster Development Program launched?

Ans. Horticulture Cluster Development Program was launched virtually on the 31st of May 2021.

Q.3. Who virtually launched the Horticulture Cluster Development Program?

Ans. The Horticulture Cluster Development Program was introduced by Sri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.

Q.4. Horticulture Cluster Development Program will be implemented by which institution?

Ans. The Horticulture Cluster Development Program will be implemented by National Horticulture Board (NHB).

Q.5. How Many Clusters will be included in the Horticulture Cluster Development Program in the beginning?

Ans. In the pilot phase, 12 out of identified 53 clusters will be included in the Horticulture Cluster Development Program.