Centre Orders Timely Implementation of National Horticulture Board Schemes at 33rd Board Meeting

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi: In a key decision aimed at strengthening India’s horticulture sector, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday directed that all National Horticulture Board (NHB) schemes must be implemented in a timely, transparent, and farmer-centric manner, ensuring that subsidies reach beneficiaries without delay. The directive came during the 33rd meeting of NHB’s Board of Directors held at Krishi Bhawan.

Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur also attended the meeting.

Focus on perishables, income security and market connectivity

Reviewing major NHB initiatives—including commercial horticulture development, cold-chain infrastructure, the Cluster Development Programme (CDP), and the Clean Plant Programme—Shri Chouhan stressed the need for a special strategy to prevent rapid spoilage of horticulture produce, improve shelf life and reduce losses for farmers.

“Small farmers should get maximum benefits, their income should increase, and there must be zero complaints regarding subsidy disbursal,” he said.
“Awareness programmes must be run widely so that farmers do not suffer avoidable losses.”

Strategic push for productivity, quality and value addition

Shri Chouhan issued several directives to strengthen horticulture growth, calling for:

• Focus on quality planting material

• Stronger post-harvest management systems

• Enhanced productivity and cold-chain connectivity

• Comprehensive linkages to markets and value-addition opportunities

He further instructed the NHB to prepare state-wise and region-wise horticulture roadmaps, emphasising coordinated efforts to benefit growers nationwide.

Publications released for farmers and experts

The Minister also released NHB’s technical publications on Good Agricultural Practices, organic farming models, and advanced horticulture technologies—intended as reference tools for farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and experts.

The meeting was attended by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, senior officials, and non-official horticulture industry members, ensuring broad stakeholder representation.

The National Horticulture Board, an autonomous organisation under the Agriculture Ministry, oversees commercial horticulture development, cold-chain expansion and infrastructure strengthening across the country.