Question : National Horticulture Mission

(a) the details of districts covered under the National Horticulture Mission across the country, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government is considering to expand the National Horticulture Mission to the remaining districts as well and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received representations from Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu for inclusion of more districts under the Mission;

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to implement the said scheme in the irrigated land of Janjgir, Champa region of Chhattisgarh and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): A total of three hundred and eighty four (384) districts under National Horticulture Mission (NHM) are covered in 23 States/UTs. State-wise number of districts covered under NHM is at Annexure.

(b): No such proposal is under consideration.

(c) & (d): Reference from Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh state governments have been received requesting for inclusion of all districts of the state under NHM.

On this issue consistent view of the department is that while finalizing/identifying districts for inclusion under NHM, a cluster approach for developing potential horticultural crops while ensuring backward and forwarded linkages was adopted. The selection of the district was decided on the comparative advantage of crops based on agro climatic conditions, potential for developing marketing opportunities were taken into consideration. No new districts are being added as this may result in thinning out of already limited resources.

However, there is a provision under NHM scheme for setting up of infrastructure unit relating to post harvest management, marketing and other project based activities is non NHM districts, provided there is a clear linkage of the units with the horticulture produce. Apart from this, activities for development of horticulture in non-NHM districts can be carried out under other Government schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) etc.

Above view of the department was conveyed to the State Governments.

(e): Janjgir & Champa region of Chhattisgarh are not included under the NHM scheme and there is no such proposal to include them in the NHM scheme.