Clean Plant Programme:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aimed at revolutionizing India’s horticulture sector.
- The CPP, part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, will enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops by providing virus-free, high-quality planting material.
- The program includes the establishment of nine state-of-the-art Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) across India, which will produce and maintain clean planting materials.
- It also introduces a robust certification and legal framework to ensure accountability and traceability in planting material production.
- The CPP aims to boost farmers’ incomes, improve consumer produce, increase India’s fruit exports, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- The program will engage women farmers and address diverse agro-climatic conditions, with implementation overseen by the National Horticulture Board and ICAR.