Question : NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION

(a) the amount sanctioned and allocated under National Horticulture Mission during each of the last three years, State-wise;

(b) the details regarding success achieved in establishment of horticulture garden, rejuvenation of senile plantations, organic farming and development of infrastructure for horticulture development;

(c) whether any area specific scheme has been implemented to enhance the utility of National horticulture Mission with regard to various problems faced by farmers; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a): State-wise details of funds approved as per Annual Action Plans and funds released during last three years including 2007-08 under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) are given at Annexure.

(b): During 2005-06 to 2007-08 (upto Feb. 2008), an area of 7.31 lakh hectares were brought under new gardens, an area of 0.965 lakh hectares of old and senile plantation were rejuvenated, an area of 0.62 lakh hectares were brought under organic farming and 631 units of post harvest management infrastructure such as pack houses and cold storages and 109 numbers of markets were created under the NHM.

(c) & (d): The Scheme is being implemented by adopting a cluster approach for the development of horticultural crops having potential in the identified districts. The Scheme is presently being implemented in 340 districts in the country.