Question : Horticultural Cluster Development Programme

(a) whether the Government has been able to achieve the targets under Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (HCDP) in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has provided financial assistance for the promotion of pineapple and banana cultivation in Kerala under HCDP, if so, the details and the status thereof;

(c) whether the Government intends to include cultivation of jackfruit under the ambit of the HCDP and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the list of crops included, funds sanctioned and utilized as part of HCDP since inception, State-wise?

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers'' Welfare (MoA&FW) has decided for development of horticulture clusters of selected high value horticulture crops. A total no. of 55 horticulture clusters have been identified by Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), out of which 12 clusters have been selected for Pilot launch of Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (HCDP) through National Horticulture Board. On recommendation of the respective State Governments, a State Government entity has been appointed as Cluster Development Agency (CDA) for each of 12 clusters. The programme is in very early stage of implementation and will take 4-5 years to achieve the envisaged objectives.

(b) No cluster from Kerala is included in the 12 clusters selected for Pilot phase, hence question of providing financial assistance does not arise.

(c) There is no such proposal as no request for inclusion of jackfruit in HCDP has been received from any of the stake holders.

(d) The guidelines for CDP was launched on 29th October, 2021 and the programme is in initial stage of implementation. So far only Rs. 3.24 crore has been utilized for the HCDP through National Horticulture Board. Details of 12 clusters including crops and States selected for Pilot phase are at Annexure.