Question : Extension of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture

(a) the number of districts which are covered under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture across the country, details thereof, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government is considering to extend the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture to the remaining districts of various States of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received the representations from several other States for inclusion of more districts under the Mission; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã ??? ????? ?????? ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ À㕾㠽ãâ¨ããè ( SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

(a): State-wise details of the total number of districts included under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) are at Annexure - I.

(b): Currently there is no such proposal.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. Since 2014-15 requests from various States - 2 from Tamil Nadu, 1 from Bihar, 2 from Chhattisgarh, 2 from Madhya Pradesh, 1 from Rajasthan and 1 from Uttar Pradesh have been received for inclusion of more districts under the Mission.

On the issue of inclusion of more districts under MIDH, the view of the department is that while finalizing/identifying districts for inclusion under MIDH, a cluster approach for developing potential horticultural crops for 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 and potential for developing marketing opportunities. No new districts are being added, as this may result in thinning out of already limited resources.

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However, there is a provision under MIDH scheme for setting up of infrastructure units relating to post harvest management, marketing and other project based activities in non MIDH districts, provided there is a clear linkage of the units with the horticulture produce. Apart from this, activities for development of horticulture in non-MIDH 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.