Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (CDP)
Scheme: Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (CDP)
Why: To ensure holistic growth of horticulture,
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' welfare
What is Horticulture?
- It is the branch of plant agriculture dealing with garden crops, generally fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
About:
- It is a central sector program aimed at growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive.
- Horticulture cluster is a regional/geographical concentration of targeted horticulture crops.
Implementation:
- By National Horticulture Board (NHB) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- In the pilot phase, the program will be implemented in 12 horticulture clusters out of the total 53 clusters selected for the program.
Objectives:
- To address all major issues related to the Indian horticulture sector including pre-production, production, post-harvest management, logistics, marketing, and branding.
- Growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive.
- To leverage geographical specialization and promote integrated and market-led development of horticulture clusters.
- To converge with other initiatives of the Government such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.
Horticulture Sector in India:
- India is the 2nd largest producer of horticulture crops globally.
- India is the leading producer of Mango, Banana, Pomegranate, and Sapota.
- Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and UP are the top states in fruit production.
- West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are the top States in vegetable production.
