The National Horticulture Board (NHB) is a central government organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, designed to promote the integrated development of horticulture in India. The NHB Scheme provides various financial assistance programs aimed at boosting the production, post-harvest management, and marketing of horticultural crops, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and medicinal plants. The goal is to make India a global leader in horticulture while increasing farmers’ incomes.

Key Components of NHB Government Schemes:

1. Development of Commercial Horticulture:
This scheme focuses on promoting commercial horticultural activities across India, encouraging farmers to invest in horticulture for income generation. The scheme provides back-ended capital investment subsidies for the establishment of new orchards, high-density planting systems, and other advanced horticulture techniques.

Subsidy:
The scheme offers a 40% subsidy (up to ₹30 lakh) for general category farmers and a 50% subsidy (up to ₹37.5 lakh) for SC/ST farmers on the cost of the project, including planting material, irrigation, and more.

Eligible Crops:
Fruits like mango, guava, pomegranate, banana, and citrus; flowers like roses, lilies, and orchids; and medicinal crops like aloe vera, tulsi, and ashwagandha.

2. Cold Storage and Post-Harvest Management:
To minimize post-harvest losses, the NHB provides financial assistance for the **establishment of cold storage units** and other infrastructure like grading, packaging, and transportation facilities. This scheme aims to enhance the shelf-life of horticultural produce and maintain its quality from farm to market.

Subsidy:
The scheme provides a 35% subsidy for general category farmers and a 50% subsidy for SC/ST farmers on the project cost of setting up cold storages, refrigerated vans, ripening chambers, and other post-harvest management infrastructure.

Eligibility:
Individuals, companies, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and cooperative societies are eligible for this scheme.

3. Creation of Integrated Post-Harvest Infrastructure:
The NHB encourages the establishment of modern and integrated **post-harvest infrastructure** for better marketing of horticulture produce. This includes:
– Packhouses
– Pre-cooling units
– Cold chain infrastructure
– Sorting, grading, and waxing lines

Subsidy:
The scheme offers a 50% subsidy on the project cost, with a maximum limit of ₹30 lakh for each project.

4. Horticulture Cluster Development Programme:
The objective is to promote the development of horticulture clusters across India. The scheme focuses on linking farmers with markets, improving access to quality planting material, and encouraging best practices in production and post-harvest management.

Focus Clusters:
The scheme identifies specific areas with high potential for horticulture growth and provides targeted assistance to develop them as horticulture clusters.

5. Technology Development and Transfer for Promotion of Horticulture:
The NHB also provides financial support for the adoption of modern technologies in horticulture. This includes greenhouse technology, drip irrigation, tissue culture, and more.

Subsidy:
40% to 50% of the project cost is provided for technology adoption to improve productivity, reduce water usage, and enhance overall horticultural practices.

6. Market Information Service (MIS):
NHB’s Market Information Service is designed to provide real-time data on horticulture markets, prices, and demand trends. This helps farmers make informed decisions regarding the sale and distribution of their produce.

Key Benefits of NHB Schemes:

– Increase in Farmers’ Income: The schemes are aimed at promoting commercial horticulture, which is often more profitable than traditional agriculture.
– Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses: By providing subsidies for cold storages and other post-harvest management infrastructure, the NHB helps reduce waste and maintain product quality.
– Promotion of Export-Oriented Horticulture: The NHB encourages farmers to adopt global best practices in horticulture, which makes Indian produce more competitive in the international market.
– Sustainable Agricultural Practices: With a focus on technology adoption and integrated management, the NHB schemes promote sustainable farming practices that use fewer resources and increase efficiency.

Eligibility:
– Beneficiaries: Farmers, FPOs, cooperative societies, corporate bodies, entrepreneurs, and NGOs engaged in horticulture activities.
– Procedure: Farmers and organizations must submit project proposals to the NHB for approval. Financial assistance is provided once the project is sanctioned.

The National Horticulture Board (NHB) plays a significant role in the promotion of commercial horticulture in India, helping farmers increase profitability, adopt modern technologies, and reduce post-harvest losses. Through its various schemes, NHB offers a comprehensive support system for the development of India’s horticultural sector.

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