New Delhi: The Government of India’s Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is gathering momentum, marking a transformative step in the country’s horticulture sector. Approved by the Union Cabinet on 9 August 2024, the programme is designed to provide farmers with access to high-quality, disease-free planting material, tackling long-standing threats posed by viruses and pathogens that severely impact crop productivityPIB2169147.
A Robust Investment and Global Partnerships
The CPP involves a significant investment of ₹1,765.67 crore, which also includes a $98 million loan from the Asian Development Bank. Under the initiative, nine Clean Plant Centres will be established across India. Maharashtra alone will host three centres Pune (grapes), Nagpur (oranges) and Solapur (pomegranates) with a dedicated budget of ₹300 crore.
To support farmers, large and medium-sized modern nurseries will be developed, backed by financial assistance of ₹3 crore and ₹1.5 crore respectively. Together, these nurseries are expected to deliver nearly 8 crore disease-free seedlings annually. India will also collaborate with countries like Israel and the Netherlands to implement global best practices.
From Source to Soil: Science at the Core
The programme is being executed by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Hazard analyses have been completed for grapevine (578 samples tested) and are underway for apples and citrus crops.
- A national-level laboratory in Pune is under development to advance research on original plant species.
- Infected plant material will undergo advanced therapies such as tissue culture, heat, and cryo-therapy to ensure virus elimination before propagation.
Benefits Across the Value Chain
The CPP is designed to deliver wide-ranging benefits:
- Farmers: Improved crop yields and income through access to clean planting material.
- Consumers: Superior-quality, virus-free fruits with better taste and nutrition.
- Exports: Enhanced global competitiveness for Indian horticultural produce.
- Equity and Inclusivity: Equal access for farmers of all scales, with special emphasis on engaging women farmers in training, resources, and decision-making.
Policy Alignment with Sustainability
The Clean Plant Programme complements India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the National One Health Mission, promoting sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and eco-friendly practices. It also aligns with the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), further strengthening India’s holistic horticulture growth.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the CPP will expand with the development of training programmes for authorities, new diagnostic protocols for crops like mango, guava, litchi, avocado, and dragon fruit, and the rollout of cost-norm guidelines for nurseries.
With these actions in motion, the Clean Plant Programme is no longer just a vision it is emerging as a transformative force to empower farmers, enrich consumers, and make India a leader in sustainable horticulture.
