The Union Cabinet has recently approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP).
About Clean Plant Programme (CPP):
- The CPP, a part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), is spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- It is designed to boost the quality and productivity of fruit crops nationwide.
Components
- Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Nine state-of-the-art CPCs will be established across India.
- Each centre will feature advanced labs for diagnostics, therapy, and tissue culture, and will be strategically located to support specific fruit types:
- Grapes in Pune
- Temperate fruits like apples, almonds, and walnuts in Srinagar & Mukteshwar
- Citrus fruits in Nagpur & Bikaner
- Mango, guava, avocado in Bangalore
- Mango, guava, litchi in Lucknow
- Pomegranate in Sholapur
- Tropical/Sub-Tropical fruits in Eastern India
- Certification and Legal Framework: A robust certification system, supported by the Seeds Act of 1966, will ensure accountability in producing and selling planting materials.
- Enhanced Infrastructure: Support will be provided to large nurseries to develop the infrastructure necessary for multiplying clean planting materials.
Importance:
- The CPP aligns with sustainable initiatives like Mission LiFE and One Health, promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
- It aims to reduce dependency on imported planting materials, enhancing self-reliance.
- The programme positions India as a leader in exporting high-quality fruits, driving transformative changes in the horticulture sector.
Benefits:
- Farmers: Access to virus-free, high-quality planting material will improve crop yields and increase income opportunities.
- Nurseries: Easier certification processes and enhanced infrastructure support will aid in planting materials’ efficient growth and distribution.
- Consumers: Availability of better-tasting, virus-free fruits with improved nutritional values.
- Exports: Production of disease-free, high-quality fruits will reinforce India’s status as a top global fruit exporter, enhancing international market opportunities.
- Inclusive Approach: The programme ensures access to clean plant material for all farmers, regardless of land size or economic status, with a special focus on involving women farmers in the planning and implementation phases, providing them with resources and training.
- Region-Specific Development: Development of clean plant varieties and technologies tailored to various agro-climatic conditions across India.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the clean plant program?
The Clean Plant Program is a significant initiative launched by the Indian government to enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops across the nation, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
What is building India’s clean plant program?
Building India’s Clean Plant Program involves establishing nine state-of-the-art Clean Plant Centers across the country, equipped with advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and tissue culture labs to produce and maintain virus-free planting material.
What is clean plant center?
A Clean Plant Center is part of this initiative, where virus-free planting materials are developed and maintained under controlled conditions, aiming to boost horticulture and reduce reliance on imported materials.