The mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has provided an enhanced allocation of Rs. 2250 Crore for the year 2021-22 for ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
- Horticulture is the branch of plant agriculture dealing with garden crops, generally fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. M.H. Marigowda is considered the Father of Indian Horticulture.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):
- MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing MIDH with effect from 2014-15.
- MIDH is implemented under Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana.
- Under MIDH, the Government of India (GoI) contributes 60% of the total outlay for developmental programs in all the states except states in the North East and the Himalayas, 40% share is contributed by State Governments.
- In the case of the North Eastern States and the Himalayan States, GoI contributes 90%.
MIDH Sub-Schemes:
National Horticulture Mission (NHM):
- It is being implemented by State Horticulture Missions (SHM) in selected districts of 18 States and 6 Union Territories.
Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH):
- HMNEH is being implemented for the overall development of Horticulture in North East and Himalayan states.
National Horticulture Board (NHB):
- NHB is implementing various schemes under MIDH in all States and UTs.
Coconut Development Board (CDB):
- CDB is implementing various schemes under MIDH in all Coconut growing states in the country.
Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH):
- CIH was established at Medi Zip Hima, Nagaland in 2006-07 for providing technical backstopping through capacity building and training of farmers and Field functionaries in the North Eastern Region.
- Achievements of MIDH:
- During the year 2019-20, the country recorded its highest ever horticulture production of 320.77 million tonnes.
- MIDH has played a significant role in increasing the area under horticulture crops.
- Area and production during the years 2014-15 to 2019-20 has increased by 9% and 14% respectively.
- It has contributed significantly towards improving the quality of produce and productivity of farmland.
- The initiative of MIDH has not only resulted in India’s self-sufficiency in the horticulture sector but also contributed towards achieving sustainable development goals of zero hunger, good health, and wellbeing, no poverty, gender equality, etc.