The Government of India, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has signed a $98 million loan agreement aimed at improving horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials. This initiative is part of the Building India’s Clean Plant Programme and will significantly boost crop yield, quality, and resilience to climate impacts.
Signatories of the Agreement
- Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, represented the Government of India.
- Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed on behalf of the ADB.
Objective of the Loan
The primary goal of the project is to enhance plant health management, which is crucial for improving the productivity of horticulture farmers in India. The funding will support the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), a government initiative designed to improve plant health.
Key Features of the Project
- Development of Regulatory Framework: The loan will help develop a robust regulatory framework and institutional systems to effectively implement the CPP across the horticulture sector in India.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: The project will involve consultations with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations to ensure its success and sustainability.
- Climate Change Adaptation: The project aims to help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and the changing behavior of pests and diseases due to rising temperatures.
Implementation of Clean Plant Centres
The project will establish clean plant centres that will focus on maintaining disease-free foundation materials. These centres will be equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories for diagnostic testing and staffed with trained experts who will follow strict operating and testing protocols.
Certification Scheme and Accreditation
A clean plant certification scheme will be launched under the project, which will accredit private nurseries and certify the planting materials they produce. The implementation will be led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in coordination with the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary objective of the $98 million loan agreement signed between the Government of India and ADB?
- A) To improve agricultural equipment access for farmers
- B) To enhance horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials
- C) To build infrastructure for farmers
- D) To promote urban agriculture
- Which program will be supported by the project funded by ADB?
- A) National Agricultural Insurance Scheme
- B) Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
- C) Krishi Vikas Yojana
- D) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
- What will be established to maintain disease-free foundation materials under the project?
- A) Organic farming centers
- B) Clean plant centres
- C) Agricultural research centers
- D) Pest control centers
- Who will implement the project in collaboration with ADB?
- A) Ministry of Finance
- B) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- C) Ministry of Environment
- D) Ministry of Rural Development
- What is one of the key challenges the project aims to address for farmers?
- A) Soil degradation
- B) Pest resistance
- C) Climate change adaptation, including pest and disease behavior changes
- D) Irrigation issues