Question : MISSION FOR INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF HORTICULTURE

(a) the details of achievements made by the Government in the implementation of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and National Horticulture Mission (NHM) during the last one year;

(b) the amount allocated under these Missions in 12th Five Year Plan period and amount released to the States/UTs during each of the last three years;

(c) whether the Government proposes to provide special benefits to small and marginal farmers under these schemes;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to cover more districts under these missions?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)

(a): Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture is being implemented since 2014-15 by subsuming six ongoing schemes on horticulture. Major achievements of Centrally Sponsored Schemes under MIDH including NHM during the year 2014-15 are at Annexure I.

(b): Details of amount allocated under different sub-schemes of MIDH during 12th Plan and amount released during the last three years is at Annexure II.

(c) & (d): Higher assistance @ 40% of cost is being provided to small and marginal farmers for cultivation of flowers whereas the assistance extended to other category farmers is @ 25% of the cost. For purchase of equipments under horticulture mechanization, higher assistances at different rates are being provided to small & marginal farmers.

(e): While launching National Horticulture Mission 2005-06, 229 districts were included, which has now been increased to 384 districts. All the districts are covered under Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Bamboo Mission (NBM) and other sub schemes of MIDH.