The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have entered into an agreement for a $98 million loan to assist in the implementation of India’s Clean Plant Programme.

Aims and Objectives
• The $98 million loan aims to enhance horticulture farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials. The primary objective is to improve crop yield, quality, and resilience, especially in the face of climate change challenges.
About the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP):
Aspect | Details |
Announcement | Introduced in the Union Budget 2023-24 to strengthen plant health management in India. |
Objective | Designed to provide farmers with access to clean, disease-free planting materials. |
Implementation | Managed by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), which will establish Clean Plant Centers nationwide. |
Global Competitiveness | Aims to enhance the global competitiveness of India’s horticulture sector. |
Key Objectives | – Strengthen plant health management regulations. – Establish Clean Plant Centres for disease-free crops. – Foster collaboration with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations. |
Funding | Supported by an ADB loan to establish modern laboratories and diagnostic facilities at the Clean Plant Centres. |
Certification Scheme | Includes a scheme for certifying private nurseries that produce disease-free planting materials. |
India’s Horticulture Sector Status | – In 2022-23, India’s horticulture production reached 351.92 million tonnes, surpassing foodgrain production. – Second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, contributing 33% to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA). – Leads in the production of crops like Bananas, Lime, Papaya, and Okra. – Horticulture production continues to grow steadily, driven by proactive government policies. |