The Union Government has decided to include four new components under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to enhance the scope of horticulture development in the country. These new components are:
- Hydroponics
- Aquaponics
- Vertical Farming
- Precision Agriculture
The MIDH is a Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) aimed at promoting the cultivation of a wide range of horticultural crops including fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo.
Revisions in MIDH Guidelines and Cost Norms
In response to concerns raised by various states regarding outdated rates, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has initiated the revision of MIDH’s operational guidelines and cost norms. These updates are expected to be released within a month. The new cost norms are expected to see an upward revision of approximately 20% compared to the existing rates.
- Previous Cost Norms: The guidelines and cost norms were last revised in April 2014.
- Current Revision: The Ministry has acknowledged the need for an update after state officials raised concerns about the outdated rates.
Reasons for Revision of Guidelines
Several states, including Odisha, have raised concerns about the outdated cost norms under MIDH. For instance, Odisha’s Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo stated that “We are still giving 10-year-old rates,” highlighting the issue of non-revised cost norms during a recent conference.
Approval of Revisions and Umbrella Schemes
The revision process follows the Union Cabinet’s approval for the rationalization of all CSS schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture. These schemes have now been consolidated into two umbrella schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)
- Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
The revised guidelines and cost norms will be officially notified within a month.
Growth of Horticulture in India
India’s horticulture sector has seen significant growth over the years. In the 2020-21 period, India’s total horticulture production reached 334.60 million metric tonnes, up from 240.53 million metric tonnes in 2010-11. This increase in production makes India the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. The horticulture sector’s growth has outpaced the production of food grains in the country.
Financial Allocation for MIDH
The MIDH has received an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore for the financial year 2024-25, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to expanding and supporting the horticulture sector.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What are the new components added to the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)?
A) Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming, Precision Agriculture
B) Organic Farming, Greenhouses, Vertical Farming, Hydroponics
C) Aquaculture, Hydroponics, Integrated Pest Management, Precision Agriculture
D) Mushroom Cultivation, Root Crops, Aquaponics, Spices
Answer: A) Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming, Precision Agriculture
2. When were the last revisions of the MIDH guidelines and cost norms made?
A) 2020
B) 2010
C) 2014
D) 2016
Answer: C) 2014
3. What is the expected percentage increase in the cost norms for MIDH?
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 20%
D) 25%
Answer: C) 20%
4. Which two umbrella schemes have consolidated all the Central Sponsored Schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture?
A) Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
B) Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
C) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and PM-RKVY
D) Krishonnati Yojana and Rashtriya Krishi Yojana
Answer: B) Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)
5. What was India’s total horticulture production in 2020-21?
A) 240.53 million metric tonnes
B) 320.60 million metric tonnes
C) 334.60 million metric tonnes
D) 400 million metric tonnes
Answer: C) 334.60 million metric tonnes
6. What is the annual allocation for MIDH in the 2024-25 financial year?
A) Rs 1,500 crore
B) Rs 2,000 crore
C) Rs 2,500 crore
D) Rs 3,000 crore
Answer: B) Rs 2,000 crore