(a) whether the National Horticulture Board has received any proposal for setting up of
Pragati Grape Garden and Pragati Agro Park in Chakur, Latur district;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;
(c) whether the Government proposes to provide such package to marathwada also;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The National Horticulture Board (NHB) had received the proposal from M/s Pragati
Agro Park on 25.08.2005 and from M/s Pragati Grape Garden on 02.02.2006 in Chakur, Latur
District under the scheme, `Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and
Post Harvest Management`. As per guidelines, for integrated projects costing above Rs.50.00
lakh, field inspection is mandatory before sanction of Letter of Intent (LOI). During the
inspection of M/s Pragati Grape Garden in 2006, it was found that a substantial portion of the
project had been completed by October, 2005 except the component of packing/grading under
Post Harvest Management (PHM) activity. The company was advised to apply afresh only for
the PHM component, as the NHB does not sanction LOI for the activities already completed.
M/s Pragati Grape Garden is yet to submit a fresh proposal in this regard. In respect of the
project of M/s Pragati Agro Park, the NHB has already issued the LOI and eligible subsidy will
be released upon completion of the project.
(c) to (e): Yes, Sir. The Board is implementing the scheme in the State of Maharashtra
including Marathwada region. Under the scheme of commercial horticulture, capital investment
subsidy is provided @20% of the total project cost with a maximum limit of Rs.25.00
lakh/project and for North-Eastern/Tribal/Hilly areas, the maximum limit of subsidy is Rs.30.00
lakh/project.