Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Introduction
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India in 2014-15 to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector. The mission operates as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with expenditure sharing pattern of 60:40 between Central and State Governments (90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States and 100% for Union Territories). MIDH encompasses all existing schemes under one umbrella mission to ensure better coordination and implementation.
Horticulture plays a vital role in India's agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to food and nutritional security, employment generation, and enhancement of farmers' income. India has emerged as the second-largest producer of horticultural crops globally, with a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants, plantation crops, and root and tuber crops being cultivated across various agro-climatic regions.
Objectives of MIDH
- Promote holistic growth of horticulture through area-based regionally differentiated strategies
- Enhance horticulture production, improve nutritional security, and increase farmers' income
- Establish convergence and synergy among multiple governmental and non-governmental agencies
- Develop post-harvest management and processing infrastructure to reduce wastage
- Promote research, technology development, and dissemination in horticulture
- Create employment opportunities and promote exports of horticulture products
- Encourage organic farming and sustainable horticulture practices
- Develop human resources through capacity building and training
Key Components of MIDH
1. National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
The National Horticulture Mission targets states and regions with significant horticulture potential not covered under the North-East and Himalayan scheme. It focuses on improving production and productivity through interventions such as area expansion, canopy management, replanting, and rejuvenation of old orchards. NHM also promotes precision farming and high-tech horticulture.
2. Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH)
This component specifically addresses the horticulture potential of north-eastern states and the Himalayan region. It emphasizes climate-resilient crops, organic farming, and appropriate post-harvest infrastructure suitable for challenging terrain and climatic conditions. The scheme supports the cultivation of crops unique to these regions while improving their market connectivity.
3. National Horticulture Board (NHB)
The National Horticulture Board works towards establishing a sound infrastructure for production, processing, and marketing of horticultural produce. It focuses on high-value horticulture crops and promotes precision farming and protected cultivation. NHB provides subsidies for setting up cold storages, pack houses, and other post-harvest infrastructure.
4. Coconut Development Board (CDB)
The Coconut Development Board coordinates and implements programs for the development of coconut cultivation and industry, including production, processing, and marketing of coconut and coconut products. It promotes scientific cultivation practices and value addition to coconut products.
5. Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH)
The Central Institute for Horticulture serves as a centre for research and development in horticulture, focusing on adaptation and dissemination of technologies, especially for the north-eastern region. It addresses location-specific problems and serves as knowledge resource centre.
Major Interventions under MIDH
Production and Productivity Enhancement
MIDH supports activities such as area expansion of new gardens, canopy management, replanting of senile plantations, and rejuvenation of old orchards. It also promotes the use of quality planting material, improved varieties, and precision farming techniques. The mission encourages adoption of micro-irrigation to improve water use efficiency.
Post-Harvest Management and Processing
To reduce post-harvest losses and value addition, MIDH supports the creation of infrastructure like cold storage, pack houses, refrigerated vans, and processing units. These interventions help farmers get better prices and increase their income. The scheme provides credit-linked subsidies for such infrastructure development.
Research and Technology Development
The mission supports research and development in horticulture, including development of improved varieties, production technologies, post-harvest technologies, and mechanization. It focuses on location-specific technologies suitable for different agro-climatic zones. Frontline demonstrations on farmers' fields help in scaling up proven technologies.
Marketing and Export Promotion
MIDH aims to improve marketing infrastructure and link farmers to markets. It supports the development of wholesale markets, rural haats, and marketing infrastructure for specific crops. The mission also promotes exports through phytosanitary certification, quality standards, and market intelligence. Market information services help farmers make informed decisions.
Human Resource Development
Capacity building and human resource development are integral components of MIDH. It provides training to farmers, field functionaries, and entrepreneurs on various aspects of horticulture, including production technologies, post-harvest management, and marketing. The mission also supports establishment of horticulture nurseries as demonstration centres.
Achievements and Impact
Since the inception of MIDH, there has been substantial growth in horticulture production and productivity. Key achievements include:
- India's horticulture production has exceeded 331 million tonnes, surpassing foodgrains production
- Area under horticulture crops has increased to over 28 million hectares
- More than 15,000 post-harvest management infrastructure units have been established
- Over 3,000 cold storage facilities have been created with a capacity of more than 15 million tonnes
- Horticulture exports have increased significantly, with major exports including mangoes, grapes, onions, and mango pulp
- Documented increase in farmers' income through adoption of improved cultivation practices and better market access
- Significant improvement in per capita availability of horticultural produce, contributing to nutritional security
Future Directions
MIDH continues to evolve to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the horticulture sector. Future focus areas include:
- Promoting climate-resilient crop varieties and practices to counter climate change impacts
- Enhancing digital solutions and precision farming techniques through FPOs and cooperatives
- Strengthening organic horticulture production to meet domestic and export demand
- Improving value chain efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses through technology intervention
- Developing specialty zones for high-value horticultural crops
- Integrating horticulture with food processing industry for value addition
- Strengthening quality standards for domestic and export markets
- Promoting urban horticulture and rooftop gardening to meet urban demand
Conclusion
The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture has significantly contributed to the growth and development of India's horticulture sector. By adopting an integrated approach covering production, processing, and marketing, it has helped enhance farmers' incomes while ensuring nutritional security for the nation. The mission's emphasis on region-specific strategies and convergence with other schemes has maximized its impact.
As horticulture continues to gain prominence in India's agricultural landscape, MIDH will play a crucial role in addressing emerging challenges and leveraging new opportunities. With continued focus on technological interventions, market linkages, and inclusive development, the mission is well-positioned to realize its objective of transforming India into a global leader in horticulture.
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