The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with an investment of ₹1,765.67 crore. This initiative aims to revolutionize India’s horticulture sector by providing farmers with virus-free, high-quality planting material, increasing crop yields, and boosting exports. The programme will establish nine Clean Plant Centers across India, support nurseries, and promote sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the economy.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), a landmark initiative aimed at transforming India’s horticulture sector. Announced earlier in the 2023 Budget by the Finance Minister, the programme will receive an investment of ₹1,765.67 crore.
The Clean Plant Programme is designed to provide farmers with access to virus-free, high-quality planting material, which is expected to significantly improve crop yields and farmers’ incomes. By ensuring the availability of disease-free plants, the programme will enhance the quality of fruit production across the country, benefiting consumers with better-tasting, more nutritious produce.
Key benefits of the CPP include:
- For Farmers: Access to superior planting materials will lead to higher yields and improved income opportunities.
- For Nurseries: Streamlined certification processes and infrastructure support will enable nurseries to produce and distribute clean planting material more efficiently.
- For Consumers: The programme will ensure the availability of high-quality, virus-free fruits, enhancing taste, appearance, and nutritional value.
- For Exports: India’s position as a leading exporter of fruits will be strengthened, with higher-quality, disease-free produce boosting market opportunities internationally.
The CPP will establish nine world-class Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) across the country, equipped with advanced diagnostics, therapeutic tools, and tissue culture labs. These centers will focus on various fruit crops, including grapes, apples, almonds, walnuts, citrus fruits, mangoes, guavas, and more, tailored to different regions’ agro-climatic conditions.
In addition to creating a robust certification system under the Seeds Act of 1966, the programme will support large-scale nurseries in developing the necessary infrastructure to multiply clean planting material. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of Mission LiFE and One Health, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Clean Plant Programme will be implemented by the National Horticulture Board in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and it will play a crucial role in reducing reliance on imported planting materials while establishing India as a global leader in fruit exports.
