Horticulture Cluster Development Programme

Context: The Cluster Development Programme has a great potential to transform the entire horticulture ecosystem by creating last-mile connectivity with the use of multimodal transport for efficient and timely evacuation and transportation of horticulture produce.

Nodal Agency: The National Horticulture Board (NHB)

Aim: To improve exports of targeted crops by about 20% and create cluster-specific brands to enhance the competitiveness of cluster crops.

Objectives:

• To promote the Agriculture sector in the country and
• to increase the income of the farmers by giving them a reasonable price for their produce.

Key Features:

• CDP will support integrated interventions to enhance the competitiveness of targeted clusters.
• The interventions have been classified into the following three verticals:
• Pre-production and Production
• Post-harvest Management and Value Addition
• Logistics, Marketing and Branding
• MoA&FW has identified 55 horticulture clusters.
• The geographical specialization of horticulture clusters will be leveraged.
• It will promote integrated and market-led development of pre-production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.

Implementation Framework:

• NHB shall provide financial assistance and supervise the overall implementation of the programme.
• A government/public sector entity, recommended by state/central government, shall be appointed as a Cluster Development Agency (CDA) for each identified cluster for the implementation of CDP.
• CDA will establish a Cluster Development Cell (CDC) with a dedicated team of officers within the CDA for smooth implementation of the programme.

Significance:

• The CDP will benefit around 10 lakh farmers and related stakeholders along the value chain.
• The interest of the farmers should be paramount in the centre of any programme/scheme.
• The overall development of horticulture in the country would be focused with the help of the implementation of this Programme.

Source: PIB