Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15 for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa. MIDH subsumed ongoing missions/schemes of the Ministry- National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board (CDB) and Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland. All States including North Eastern States and UTs are covered under MIDH.
      Main objectives of Mission are to promote holistic growth of horticulture sector, including coconut through area based regionally differentiated strategies which include research, technology promotion, extension, post harvest management, processing and marketing in consonance with comparative advantage of each State/region and its diverse agri-climatic features, encourage aggregation of farmers into farmers groups like FIGs/FPOs and FPCs to bring economy of scale and scope, enhance horticulture production, augment farmer’s income, strengthen nutritional security, improve productivity by way of quality germ-plasm, planting material and water use efficiency through Micro Irrigation, support skill development and create employment generation opportunities for rural youth in horticulture and post harvest management, especially in the cold chain sector. Capacity buildings of farmers and technicians is also supported for adopting improved technologies through existing institutions like State Agriculture Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Institutes with Department of Horticulture in States.

      Mission has the following sub-schemes as its component:
         • National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
         • Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH)
         • National Horticulture Board (NHB)
         • Coconut Development Board (CDB)
         • Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland.

      To achieve the objectives of the Mission, the broad strategy comprise the following:
         a. Adopt an end-to-end holistic approach covering production, post harvest management, processing and marketing to assure appropriate returns to growers/producers;
         b. Promote R&D technologies for production, post-harvest management and processing;
         c. Enhance acreage, coverage, and productivity through:-
            i. Diversification, from traditional crops to plantations, orchards, vineyards, flower and vegetable gardens.
            ii. Extension of appropriate technology to farmers for high-tech horticulture cultivation and precision farming.
         d. Improve post harvest management, processing for value addition and marketing infrastructure.
         e. Adopt a coordinated approach and promote partnership, convergence and synergy among R&D, processing and marketing agencies in public as well as private sectors,             at the national, regional, State and sub-State levels;
         f. Promote capacity-building and Human Resource Development at all levels, including, if need be, change in syllabus and curriculum of graduation courses at Colleges and             Universities.

      The Mission has a three tier structure – National, State and District levels. At the National level, there is a General Council (GC) and an Executive Committee (EC). The GC, which provides overall direction, is chaired by the Union Agriculture Minister. The Executive Committee (EC) headed by the Secretary (Agriculture & Cooperation) oversees the activities of the Mission, approves the Annual Action (AAPs) of the States and National Level Agencies and reviews the progress. Similarly, at the State level, an Executive Committee under the Chairmanship of the Agriculture Production Commissioner, or Secretary Horticulture /Agriculture oversees the implementation of the Mission. At the District level, the District Mission Committee (DMC) under the Chairmanship of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zila Parishad / CEO of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is responsible for project formulation and monitoring.

      MIDH is Centrally Sponsored Scheme wherein the implementing agencies are State Horticulture Mission (SHM). In the total outlay of SHM, centre contributes 60% for general States and 90% for NE and Himalayan States whereas general States contribute 40 % and NE and Himalayan States contribute 10%. Government of India contributes 100% for UTs and National Level Agencies (NLAs).
       Executive Committee of MIDH decides the annual outlay to various implementing agencies (SHMs and NLAs). Accordingly, implementing agencies submit a Annual Action Plan (AAP) for the approval supported with data/write up on outcome of past interventions and also covering the details of various interventions proposed to be taken up during the current financial year.
       While finalizing the AAPs, due attention is paid for earmarking specific targets for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and women beneficiaries. As an inbuilt provision under MIDH scheme, higher rates of subsidy have been envisaged for taking up activities like creation of infrastructure for post harvest management and marketing of horticulture produce along with area expansion by beneficiaries in the North Eastern States, Himalayan States, Tribal Sub Plan areas, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

      The Executive Committee headed by Secretary (DAC&FW) monitors the progress of Mission. The Empowered Committee under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary (DAC& FW) also monitors the progress while approving project based proposals of State Governments on a quarterly basis. The Joint Inspection Teams (JITs), comprising officers from DAC & FW , State Agricultural Universities and Precision Farming Development Centers undertake regular visits to States for on –the-spot monitoring of the Mission.

      Under MIDH, financial assistance is provided for following major interventions/activities:
         • Setting up of nurseries, tissue culture units for production of quality seed and planting material.
         • Area expansion i.e. Establishment of new orchards and gardens for fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
         • Rejuvenation of unproductive, old, and senile orchards.
         • Protected cultivation, i.e. poly-house, green-house, etc, to improve the productivity & grow off season high value vegetables and flowers.
         • Organic farming and certification.
         • Creation of water resources structures and watershed management.
         • Bee-keeping for pollination.
         • Horticulture Mechanization.
         • Creation of Post Harvest Management and Marketing infrastructure.

      A total of 384 districts from 23 States & UTs have been identified for implementation of NHM. All 117 districts of North East and Himalayan States (11) are covered under HMNEH (Thus. 501 districts are covered under NHM & HMNEH).

      On this issue consistent view of the department is that while finalizing/identifying districts for inclusion under NHM, a cluster approaches for developing potential horticultural crops while ensuring backward and forwarded linkages was adopted. The selection of the District was decided on the comparative advantage of crops based on agro climatic conditions, potential for developing marketing opportunities were taken into consideration. No new districts are being added as this may result in thinning out of already limited resources.
      However, there is a provision under NHM scheme for setting up of infrastructure units relating to post harvest management, marketing and other project based activities in non NHM districts, provided there is a clear linkage of the units with the horticulture produce. Apart from this, activities for development of horticulture in non-NHM districts can be carried out under other Government schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) etc.

      Apart from providing assistance to the States for holistic development of horticulture, there are National Level Agencies (NLAs) like DCCD, DASD, NHRDF, NBB, Spices Board etc. for which 100% grant is provided under MIDH for carrying out various interventions like Research & Development, capacity building, Skill development leading to overall development of horticulture in the country.

      Provision exists under MIDH for organizing seminars, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, Kisan Melas, horticulture shows etc for creating awareness among farmers. Assistance is provided for organizing event at international level @100% of the cost to the maximum of Rs. 7.50 lakh per event of 4 days. At national level, assistance is provided @ 100% of cost to the maximum of Rs 5.00 lakh per event of two days, at State level, assistance is provided @ 100% of cost to the maximum of Rs 3.00 lakh per event of two days and at district level, assistance is provided @ 100% of cost to the maximum of Rs 2.00 lakh per event of two days.

      Promotion and strengthening of Farmer Interest Groups (FIG), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) and Growers Associations have been included as a component under MIDH. Assistance is provided to such groups, as per the norms specified by SFAC, for taking up of innovative projects in the area of horticulture development, post harvest management, processing and marketing.

      All categories of farmers, including women beneficiaries, are covered under MIDH. As per directives of Planning Commission, implementing agencies viz. State Horticulture Missions have been directed to ensure that at least 30% of annual budget allocation is earmarked for women beneficiaries/ farmers. Activities such as floriculture including protected cultivation of flowers, mushroom production and beekeeping are some of the activities which are attractive to women farmers. Besides, under training and capacity building on horticulture, women beneficiaries are also covered. However, since the scheme is mainly area oriented for development of horticulture, gender wise and beneficiary wise information is not being maintained in the horticulture division.

      The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had launched a project called Coordinated Programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geo-informatics (CHAMAN) under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) with an objective to develop and firm up scientific methodology for estimation of area and production under Horticulture crops. The programme also uses GIS (Geographical Information System) tools along with remote sensing data for generating action plans for horticultural development (site suitability, infrastructure development, crop intensification, orchard rejuvenation, aqua-horticulture, etc.). Another component of CHAMAN is to carry out research activities on horticultural crop condition studies, diseases assessment and precision farming. Duration of project was 2014- 2017 which was later extended to 2018. However, the CHAMAN Phase II has been launched on 20.09.2018.

      Horticulture Statistics Division of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has introduced a web enabled work flow based system namely Horticulture Area Production Information System (HAPIS) for ensuring the timely availability of relevant and latest data on horticulture crops at sub-national level.

      The system provides online interface enabling data flow from Districts to States and Thereon to the centre. It is accessible within the NIC network. web enabled work flow based system for monitoring area and production of horticultural crops. It was launched in 2015.

      HORTNET project is a unique intervention to accomplish e-Governance in NHM where-in total transparency has been envisaged in all the processes of workflow i.e., online application filing, authentication, processing and online payment to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT. Web enabled work flow based system for providing financial assistance under MIDH.

       Under MIDH scheme, while ongoing schemes of NHM, HMNEH, NHB, CDB and CIH will have distinct identity as sub-schemes of MIDH, fund flow for NHM and HMNEH beneficiaries will be routed through the State Horticulture Missions. However, release of funds from DAC to the SHMs will be routed through the State Government. In other words, in the case of NHM scheme, which involves 40% contribution by the State Government, GOI share of 60% will be released to the State Government. Thereafter, State Govt. will release 100% funds to the SHMs along with State share. In the case of HMNEH schemes, 90% funds will be released to the State Governments, who turn will make available funds to the SHMs / Implementing Agencies. In the case of NHB, CDB, CIH and NLAs, funds will be released directly to the respective Agencies.

      The scheme becomes operational from 1st April, 2014. New cost norms and pattern of assistance are applicable from 01.04.2014. However, assistance for spill over works of previous year and maintenance of area expansion activities taken up during 2012-13 and 2013-14 will be in accordance with pre-revised norms.

      No. As a general principle subsidy assistance for similar activity cannot be availed from two different schemes. Moreover, there is distinct demarcation of crops and cut off level for availing assistance under different sub schemes of MIDH. In the case of cold storages, assistance will be available under NHM, HMNEH schemes for storage capacity upto 5000 MT and for cold storages above 5000 MT NHB would provide the assistance.

      Yes. However, application will have to be submitted to the concerned nodal agencies.

      No. NHM scheme envisages a minimum area of one hectare for setting up a viable nursery to produce quality planting material.

       Assistance for a number of components under sub scheme of MIDH, particularly for the private sector, involving infrastructure development such on nurseries, establishment of lab & clincs, post harvest management and marketing is in the form of credit linked back ended subsidy. It implies that the beneficiary has to avail term loan from the Nationalized Banks / Financial Institution (FI) such as NABARD, IDBI, SIDBI, ICICI, State Financial Corporations, State Industrial Development Corporations, NBFCs, NEDFI, National SCST/minorities/ Backward- Classes Financial and Development Corporation, other designated loaning institutions of the State / UTs, Commercial/ Cooperative Banks, etc.
       Concerned banks/ State FIs may adhere to their own appraisal norms while sanctioning projects under the scheme. The appraisal note provided by FIs for sanction/ Claim of subsidy should invariably be the same which formed the basis for sanction of term loan.
       The project should be implemented within a period of two years from the date of sanction of loan. The payment of back-ended subsidy will be made after the project has been successfully completed according to the terms and conditions of the loan/or as per the approved feasibility cum project report, as the case may be.
       Upon completion of the project, the concerned Bank/FI/would inform SHM that the project had been completed (in accordance with) the guidelines of NHM and shall make a request to SHM for joint inspection of project the point inspection will be conducted in the presence of promoter. The payment of back ended subsidy will be made to the beneficiary after project has been successfully completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the loan or as per the approved feasibility-cum-project report, as the case may be.
       Bank /FI/NCDC, as the case may be, would submit to SHM the Utilization Certificate of the subsidy released by SHM
       The subsidy assistance released by SHM to Bank/FI on behalf of the individual units which are sanctioned, will be kept in the separate account. The adjustment of subsidy will be on the pattern of back-ended subsidy wherein the full project cost including the subsidy amount but excluding the margin money contribution from beneficiary would be disbursed as loan by the banks. The repayment schedule will be drawn on the loan amount in such a way that the subsidy amount is adjusted after the bank loan portion (excluding subsidy) is liquidated.
       The subsidy admissible to the borrower under the scheme will be kept in the Subsidy Reserve Fund A/c, borrower-wise in the books of the financing Banks. No interest will be applied on subsidy portion by the Bank. The balance lying to the credit of the Subsidy Reserve Fund A/c will not form part of Demand and Time Liabilities for the purpose of SLR/CRR. Suitable instructions issued in this regard by the RBI from time to time would be followed.

      Assistance under MIDH for credit linked back-ended components will be limited to the loan amount sanctioned by the Bank.

      Under MIDH Scheme, assistance is available for setting up primary / mobile processing unit costing upto Rs. 25.00 lakh/unit. For bigger units, assistance will be available only in the Himalyan States of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttrakhand.

      Centre of Excellence (CoE) is an approved component under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to be established for different horticulture crops which will serve as demonstration and training centre as well as source of quality planting material and vegetable seedlings for farmers.
      Maximum eligible cost for setting up of CoE is Rs. 1000.00 lakh per centre with 100% assistance to be established only in public sector. The CoE can be established through bilateral Cooperation also.

      Focus of Mission is primarily on increasing both production and productivity through adoption of improved and appropriate technologies for ensuring quality, including genetic upgradation of all horticultural crops and addressing challenges of climate change. Special emphasis is also given for adoption of area based cluster approach towards developing regionally differentiated crops, which are agro-climatically most suitable for the State/region. Cluster approach is also helpful in aggregation of farmers into FPOs/FPCs. Attention is given to the availability of good quality planting material and establishment and upgradation of nurseries and TC Units. It is supplemented through plantation development programmes through addition of new areas under improved varieties to meet market demand. Planting material of seed origin for fruit crops which can be vegetatively propagated is not qualified for subsidy assistance.

      Production and distribution of good quality seeds and planting material is on top priority. States have a network of nurseries for producing planting material, which were established through Central or State assistance. To meet the requirement of planting material (for bringing additional area under improved varieties of horticultural crops and for rejuvenation programme for old/senile plantations), assistance is provided for setting up new hi-tech & small nurseries under the Public as well as Private sector, establishment of new Tissue Culture (TC) units, strengthening of existing TC units, vegetable seed production, import of planting material and establishment of seed infrastructure.

      The Mission envisages coverage of area under improved varieties of horticultural crops. MIDH supports the production of horticultural crops through assistance under area expansion for fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, aromatics and plantation crop. The major focus of mission under establishment of new garden is
         • To focus on high yielding varieties for productivity enhancement.
         • New areas to be taken up in identified clusters of mandated crop.
         • Micro Irrigation to be integrated for better survival
         • Planting material to be sourced from accredited nurseries
         • Payment to be released to the beneficiary as per norms prescribed
Cost of raising new plantations vary from crop to crop which is taken into consideration while providing assistance to the beneficiary.

      MIDH provides assistance for creation of water resources through construction of community tanks, farm ponds/reservoirs/tubewells/dugwells etc. to ensure life saving irrigation to horticulture crops. For the construction of community tanks, farm ponds/reservoirs with plastic / RCC lining, MIDH provides assistance @100% of cost Rs.20 lakh/unit in case of plain areas and Rs.25 lakh/unit for hilly areas. Assistance is also provided for the construction of water harvesting system for individuals for storage of water @50% of cost Rs.1.50 lakh/unit in plain areas and Rs.1.80 lakh/unit in hilly areas. For smaller size of the ponds/tube wells/dug wells, cost is admissible on pro rata basis depending upon the command area.

      MIDH provides assistance for the promotion of protected cultivation through establishment of poly houses, shade net house, plastic tunnels, anti-bird/anti hail nets and plastic mulching. The work relating to construction of poly houses are undertaken by the approved/listed fabricators, approved by State Horticulture Missions.
      Under the scheme, assistance is provided for establishment of green houses. For Fan & Pad and Naturally ventilated system Green house (Tubular structure), assistance is provided @ 50% of cost for a maximum area of 4000 sq. mtrs. per beneficiary. For wooden and bamboo structure green house, assistance is provided @ 50% of cost limited to 20 units per beneficiary and each unit not exceeding 200sq. mtrs. For shade net houses, assistance is extended @50% of cost limited to 4000 sq .mtrs per beneficiary under tubular structures and in case of wooden and bamboo structures, 50% of cost limited to 20 units per beneficiary each unit not exceeding 200 sq. mtrs per beneficiary. For Plastic tunnels, assistance is provided 50% of cost limited to 1000 sq. mtr. per beneficiary. Assistance is provided @50% of cost limited to 5000 sq. mtr. per beneficiary for anti bird/hail nets. For plastic mulching, the assistance is 50% of the cost limited to 2 ha. per beneficiary to the maximum of Rs. 32,000/ha in plain areas and Rs. 36,800/ha in hilly areas.

       MIDH provides financial assistance to Precision Farming development Centres (PFDCs) which takes up the activities such as trials, demonstrations for plasticulture and precision farming technologies for horticulture crops, survey to ascertain field adoption of the technology, training of farmers/ officials, display centre, publicity etc. PFDCs have to submit annual plan for their activity to SHM with a copy to NCPAH, well in advance. Financial assistance is provided to PFDCs on project basis through the SHMs.
       Existing Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDC) is involved to develop regionally differentiated technologies for their validation and dissemination. Twenty two PFDCs are anchored in SAUs, ICAR Institute and IIT, Kharagpur. On account of their experience in conducting applied research on plasticulture application, they have expertise in terms of manpower and equipment. PFDCs is equipped with necessary hardware and software needed for generating information on precision farming techniques on the farmers’ field. The ultimate goal is to provide requisite information to farmers so that they are in a position to apply necessary inputs. Other organisations like ICAR Institutes and Institutes in Private sector is also involved in technology development.

      MIDH provides assistance for the promotion of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures for horticultural crops. Under INM/IPM, assistance is also available for developing facilities like Disease Forecasting Units (DFUs), Bio Control Labs, Plant Health Clinics and Leaf/Tissue Analysis labs, both under Public and Private sector except for DFUs, which is only in Public sector. It will be the responsibility of the beneficiary to get the bio control agents registered for commercial sale.
      Under INM component, subsidy can be availed for use of liquid bio-fertilizers of N, P and K such as Rhizobium/Azospirillum/Azotobactor, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB) and Potash Mobilizing Bacteria (KMB), to be applied in combination, in demonstration and other programmes, for which total assistance is limited to 50% of cost, or Rs. 300.00 per ha., for a maximum area of four ha per beneficiary.
      Financial assistance for the promotion of INM/IPM is provided as per the cost norms specified in the MIDH a guideline is given below:

      Organic farming in horticulture is promoted to harness environmental and economic benefits by way of adoption of organic farming techniques along with its certification. MIDH provide assistance for the promotion of organic farming with aim to increase soil biological activity and diversity, long term soil fertility, promote healthy use of soil, water and air and minimize all forms of pollution.
      For adopting organic farming for perennial and non-perennial fruit crops, vegetables, aromatic plants, spices, etc., additional assistance is given @ 50% of cost over and above the area expansion programme fora maximum area of 4 ha per beneficiary, spread over a period of three years. For organic cultivation of vegetables, assistance is limited to Rs. 10,000/- per ha spread over a period of three years. Assistance is used for generating on-farm inputs. NHM also provides financial assistance for establishing vermin-compost units and HDPE Vermibeds @ 50% of cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 50,000/- per beneficiary fora unit having size of 30’ x 8’ x 2.5’. For smaller units, assistance will be on pro rata basis. For HDPE Vermibed of 96 cft size (12’x4’x2’), the cost is Rs. 16,000/ per bed and assistance is limited to 50% of cost.

      Under MIDH, GAP certification has been introduced to encourage farmers to adopt good agricultural practices in line with global GAP, so that farmers are able to get better price for their produce in domestic as well as international market. Assistance for this is provided @ 50% of cost for maximum area of four ha per beneficiary. Certification agencies to be involved for this will be as per list approved by APEDA.

      In order to maximize agricultural production, honey-bee can be used as an important input. The responsibility of coordinating the bee-keeping development programme in State will be vested in the identified State Designated Agency (SDA) or any institution/society having capability. National Bee Board (NBB) is responsible for coordinating beekeeping activity in states. Under MIDH, assistance is available for activities on development of nucleus stock of honey bees, bee breeding, distribution of honey bee colonies hives and bee keeping equipment.

      MIDH provides support for latest technologies which can be promoted through crop specific cultivation, use of IPM/INM, protected cultivation, organic farming through farmer participatory demonstration in a compact area of one ha, which can be organized at strategic locations in farmer’s field for which assistance is limited to 75% of cost. For greenhouse cultivation, area is limited to 500 sq. meter. Farms in public sector, SAUs, Deemed Universities having faculty in horticulture, could be sites for Front Line Demonstrations, for which 100% assistance is provided, and maximum assistance does not exceed Rs. 25 lakh per project.

      Processing of horticultural produce and value addition is an important activity. While a primary / minimal processing unit is promoted under NHM, large scale processing units is promoted by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI), out of their ongoing Schemes. However, food processing units in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand is promoted under HMNEH sub scheme as per norms indicted in MIDH guidelines. NHB takes up projects on product promotion, market information and market intelligence services for horticulture crops. CDB takes up similar services for coconut.

      For managing various activities of Mission at State & District Mission offices and implementing agencies for administrative expenses, Consultants at State & District level, project preparation, computerization, contingency etc, 5% of total annual expenditure is provided to State Horticulture Missions/implementing Agencies. State/ implementing agencies will make provision for this in their Annual Action Plan.

      Protected cultivation practices can be defined as a cropping technique wherein the micro climate surrounding the plant body is controlled partially or fully as per the requirement of the horticultural crops grown during their period of growth. With the advancement in agriculture various types of protected cultivation practices suitable for a specific type of agro-climatic zone have emerged. Among these protective cultivation practices, Green house, Polyhouse, Shadenet house, walking tunnel, plastic tunnel, Insect net house etc.

      National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture (NCPAH), a National Level Agency (NLA) under MIDH involved in carrying out research activities on use of plastics in agriculture and horticulture with the help of 22 Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDCs) located in various agro-climatic zones of India. NCPAH has the following mandates:
I - To coordinate in promotion of horticulture / agriculture development through use of plastics in agriculture (Plasticulture) with special reference to harnessing available natural resources such as water and sunlight in improving the productivity and quality of the produce
II - To recommend suitable policy measures for promotion of plasticulture in the country.

      A Polyhouse is a framed structure made of GI pipe/MS angle/ Wood/ Bamboo and covered with a transparent/translucent material fixed to frame with profile & grippers. Besides irrigation, it has control/monitoring equipment, which is considered necessary for controlling environmental factors such as temperature, light, relative humidity etc. and is necessary for maximizing plant growth and productivity.

      Polyhouse is an enclosed area, in which crops are grown under partially or fully controlled conditions. The cladding material is of plastic (Polyethylene) film and acts like a selective radiation filter that allows solar radiation to pass through it but traps the thermal radiation emitted by the inside objects to create Polyhouse effect. The Polyhouse protects the plants from adverse climatic conditions and provides an appropriate amount of light, temperature, humidity, carbon-dioxide etc. to achieve optimum yield with excellent quality. The reason for building a Polyhouse is to get faster growth by raising humidity and controlling temperatures. Labor, energy and capital are the major three cost factors in a typical modern Polyhouse production system. Polyhouse technology is highly relevant under Indian conditions due to variant agro-climatic conditions of the country.

Polyhouse has the following advantages:
      1. Provides favorable micro climatic conditions for the plants hence round the year cultivation is possible.
      2. Enhances yield with better quality per unit area.
      3. More suitable for cultivating high value/ off - season crops.
      4. Helps to control pest and diseases.
      5. Helps in hardening of tissue cultured plants.
      6. Helps in raising early nurseries.
      7. Round the year propagation of planting material is possible.
      8. Protects the crops from wind, rain, precipitation, snow, bird, hail etc.
      9. Generates self- employment opportunities for educated youth

Polyhouse technology has the following potentialities:
      I. Cultivation is possible in the problematic regions and under extreme climatic conditions.
      II. Export of hybrid seeds, ornamentals plants and tissue culture plants.
      III. Suitable for Biotechnology and genetic engineering.
      IV. Cultivation of rare and exotic medicinal, aromatic and ornamental species.
      V. Production of high value, low volume horticultural crops.
      VI. Supply of high quality fresh fruits/vegetables and flowers for cities.
      VII. Production of healthy planting materials.

      Keeping in view the Indian climatic conditions, two types of Polyhouse have been taken into consideration under the Govt. of India schemes (NHM & HMNEHS) for subsidy, and they are Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse and Polyhouse with Fan & Pad Cooling System. There is also a provision of subsidy for the low cost Polyhouses made of wooden and bamboo structure.
      A. Naturally ventilated Polyhouse - best suited for areas where temperature ranges between 15oC to 30oC. The structure should have a provision of sufficient number of openings for ventilation. The percentage of ventilation will be up to 60% of the floor area depending upon climatic conditions. The openings may be side wall vent or roof vent or both to exchange air (hot/cold) flow inside the Polyhouse. During the summer period the openings are provided need to ensure efficient air movement and should be fully airtight during winter period.
      B. Polyhouse with fan and pad cooling system - best suited for hot dry climatic conditions such as Northern plains where temperature goes above 30oC. The system is working on the principle that when water evaporates and heat is absorbed from surroundings. This is possible by drawing cool air into Polyhouse through wet pad located at one end of the wall, where hot air is replaced by co-axial fans mounted on the opposite end of wall. The excessive temperature causes various damages to the morphology and physiological processes of plants such as flower shedding, leaf scorch, poor fruit quality, excessive transpiration, shortened life span of the plants and low net photosynthesis due to excessive respiration etc. Hence, it is important to maintain air temperature inside the Polyhouse ranging between 20ºC to 28ºC for better crop growth.

       Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare is implementing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for holistic development of horticulture in the country which includes assistance for development of Postharvest Management and Marketing infrastructure.
      The component of Market Infrastructure includes retail outlets, rural primary markets, wholesale markets and terminal market complexes, details for which are as under:
        • For retail outlet, credit linked back ended subsidy @ 35% of capital cost in general areas and @50% of hilly and scheduled areas for maximum cost of Rs. 15.00 lakh/unit is available.
        • For rural primary markets, credit linked back ended subsidy @ 40% in general areas and @ 55% in hilly and tribal areas of the maximum project cost of Rs. 25.00 lakh is available.
        • For wholesale markets, credit linked back ended subsidy @ 25% in general areas and @ 33.33% in hilly and tribal areas of the maximum project cost of Rs. 100.00 lakh is available.
        • For terminal market complex, under PPP mode, assistance @ 25% to 40% (limited to Rs. 50.00 crore) of project cost of Rs. 150.00 crore, which includes 25% as floor subsidy plus 15% as subsidy on bidding is available.

      Horticulture mechanization is promoted under MIDH to improve farm efficiency and reduce drudgery of farm work force. Assistance in this regard is provided for activities such as procurement of power operated machines and tools, besides import of new machines. For power operated machines, assistance is provided ranging from Rs. 0.012 lakh /unit to Rs. 3.00 lakh /unit subject to type of equipment. For import of new machines and tools for horticulture for demonstration purposes in public sector, assistance of Rs. 50.00 lakh /unit is provided. Subsidy assistance to the beneficiaries is administered by the State Horticulture Missions.

      MIDH envisages promotion of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures. Assistance is provided for developing facilities like Disease Forecasting Units, Bio-control Labs, Plant Health Clinics and Leaf Tissue Analysis Labs. For promotion of IPN/INM, assistance is provided @30% of cost to the maximum of Rs. 4000/ha. limited to 4 ha/ per beneficiary. Under INM component, subsidy can be availed for use of liquid bio-fertilizers of N, P and K such as Rhizobium/Azospirillum/Azotobactor, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB) and Potash Mobilizing Bacteria ( KMB), to be applied in combination, in demonstration and other programmes, for which total assistance will be limited to 50% of cost or Rs. 300.00 per ha. for maximum of 4 ha./beneficiary.

      Mission supports skill development and creates employment generation opportunities for rural youth in horticulture and post harvest management, especially in the cold chain sector. Capacity buildings of farmers and technitions is also provided for adopting improved technologies, through existing institutions like State Agriculture Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, institutes with Department of Horticulture in States. Rural youth and farmers are imparted training under various farming techniques for horticulture crops, mushroom, floriculture, beekeeping, protected cultivation, micro irrigation, post harvest processing etc. The duration of training of farmers is 2-5 days. Cost per trainee is Rs. 1000/- per farmer within state and project based in case of training outside the state.

      Protected structures such as green house are used for production of virus-free high quality hybrid seed of important high value vegetables. The seed yield of crops like tomato, sweet pepper, cucumber etc. can be 3-4 times more in protected conditions compared to their open field cultivation along with high quality of seed having cost of seed production only one third of the seed produced under semi-climate controlled green house conditions. Hybrid seed production under protected conditions can be highly economical and profitable venture and also ensuring the regular supply of vegetables for domestic market. Promotion of protected cultivation through poly houses is being promoted under MIDH. The work relating to construction of poly houses are undertaken by the approved/listed fabricators, approved by State Horticulture Missions. Under the scheme, assistance is provided for establishment of green houses. For Fan & Pad and Naturally ventilated system Green house (Tubular structure), assistance is provided @ 50% of cost for a maximum area of 4000 sq. mtrs. per beneficiary. For wooden and bamboo structure green house, assistance is provided @ 50% of cost limited to 20 units per beneficiary and each unit not exceeding 200sq. mtrs.

      Mission envisages promoting seed production for vegetables and spices. Estimated cost of vegetable seed production is Rs. 35,000 per ha. for open pollinated crops and Rs. 1.50 lakh per ha. for hybrid vegetable seeds. Assistance is provided @ 100% of total cost to public sector. In case of Private sector, assistance is 50% of the cost as credit linked back ended subsidy for a maximum area of 5 ha. per beneficiary. For production of hybrid seeds, assistance is provided @ 100% for public sector to the maximum of Rs. 35,000/ha. limited to 5 ha., for private sector, assistance is 35% in general areas and 50% in NE & Himalayan states, Tribal Sub Plans (TSP) areas, A & N and Lakshadweep Islands

      In order to increase the availability of high yielding variety of vegetable seeds assistance is provided for Vegetable Seeds Production under MIDH. Besides, to facilitate proper handling, storage and packaging of seeds, assistance is also provided for the seed infrastructure like drying platforms, storage bins, packaging units and related equipments.
      Apart from the above, to strengthen the existing marketing system and to ensure adequate supply of vegetables and fruits in the country, there is a provision for providing assistance for creation of infrastructure for marketing of fruits and vegetables, viz. rural markets, wholesale markets and terminal market complexes under NHM and HMNEH. For creation of Low Cost Onion Structures assistance is given @ 50% of cost of Rs. 1.75 Lakh/Unit for a structure capacity of maximum 25 MT.

      Apart from taking up production and productivity improvement programmes for horticulture crops, MIDH also provides support for setting up primary / mobile /minimal processing units under NHM & HMNEH component costing upto Rs. 25.00 lakh / unit with credit linked back ended subsidy @ 40% of cost in general areas and 50% of cost in case of Hilly & Scheduled areas.
      Further, credit linked back-ended assistance @ 50% of the project cost of Rs. 800 lakh per unit is available for the component of Food Processing Units for perishable horticulture produce in the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North-Eastern States. Under CDB component, assistance is being extended @ 25% of project cost, limited to Rs. 50.00 lakh per unit, for setting up units for coconut processing and product diversification.

       Scheme also envisages creation of infrastructure for post harvest management (PHM) and marketing for better price realization of produce with assistance ranging from 35% to 55% of cost. The details are as under:

      Mission envisages promotion of latest technologies through Front Line Demonstration on crop specific cultivation, use of IPM/INM, protected cultivation, organic farming with farmers participation in a compact area of one ha., which is organized at strategic locations in farmers’ field for which assistance is provided @ 75% of the cost. For green house, area is limited to 500sq. mtrs. Farms in public sector, State Agriculture Universities, Deemed Universities having faculty in horticulture are the sites for Front Line Demonstrations for which 100% assistance is provided not exceeding Rs. 25.00 lakh per project. Assistance is also extended @ 100 % for training of farmers within the state as well as outside the state.

      Rejuvenation programme address orchards and plantations which have low productivity because of their becoming old and senile. It can be implemented through individual farmers, farmers’ cooperatives, Self-Help Groups, growers’ associations and commodity organizations. Assistance for rejuvenating/replanting senile plantations is @ 50% of the cost limited to 2 ha per beneficiary. Assistance is available only in respect of rejuvenating/replanting senile and unproductive plantations through proven technologies. However, assistance will depend on the nature and requirement of particular crop. Canopy management will address maintenance of tree architecture as a means for productivity enhancement, particularly for fruit crops and high density plantations. In case of seedling origin, uneconomical orchards will be considered for replanting with improved varieties.

      New Tissue Culture (TC) units may be established and assistance is provided for rehabilitation/ strengthening of existing TC Units. New TC units may produce 25 lakh plants of the mandated crop for which protocols are available for commercial use, except Date palm. In the event of production of lesser number of plants, cost of lab may be reduced on a pro rata basis (subject to its viability). New TC unit projects for public sector is sanctioned to only those agencies, which have requisite technical manpower. No recurring expenditure for the manpower and contingencies is borne under MIDH. Each TC unit would get itself accredited as per standards and norms of Department of Bio Technology within eighteen months from the date of receiving funds, failing which the assistance provided under the scheme will have to be returned.

      MIDH provides support to promote mushroom cultivation through setting up of individual mushroom production, spawn production and compost making units. In case of setting up of mushroom production unit and compost making unit assistance is provided Rs. 20 lakh/unit and for spawn making unit Rs. 15 lakh/unit @100% of the cost to public sector and 40% of cost for private sector, for meeting the expenditure on infrastructure, as credit linked back ended subsidy.

      Financial assistance for the development of spices is provided as per the cost norms specified in the MIDH guidelines are as below:

      Financial assistance for the promotion of aromatic plants is provided as per the cost norms specified in the MIDH guidelines are as below:

      The following interventions under MIDH plays a major role in enhancement of production of fruits:
          • Setting up and modernization of nurseries.
          • Setting up and strengthening of Tissue Culture (TC) units.
          • Establishment of new gardens/orchards and plantations.
          • Rejuvenation of old and senile orchards.
          • Protected cultivation (Poly-house/Green-house) for high value vegetables and flowers, etc.
          • Post Harvest Management which includes primary processing units, minimal processing units, ripening chamber, reefer vehicle, thereby minimizing post harvest losses and value addition of produce.

      The beneficiary can directly send their proposal/application to concerned District Horticulture Officer in the District on through HORTNET Portal.

      Floriculture, or flower farming, is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry. Protected cultivation technology can be utilized for year around production of high value and quality floriculture crops and also as a tool for disease resistance breeding program.
      In the MIDH Scheme, beneficiary can apply for Flower Production in open area for maximum 2 ha and there is three categories (i) Cut flowers cost norms is Rs. 1 Lakh/Ha- 40 % of the cost for S&M farmers and 25% of cost to other category farmers in general areas, 50% of cost in NE & HS, TSP areas, A&N and Lakshadweep Islands. (ii) Bulbulous flowers cost norms is Rs. 1.50 lakh/ha- 40 % of the cost for S&M farmers and 25% of cost to other category farmers in general areas, 50% of cost in NE & HS, TSP areas, A&N and Lakshadweep Islands. (iii) Loose Flowers cost norms is Rs. 40,000/ha- 40 % of the cost for S&M farmers and 25% of cost to other category farmers in general areas, 50% of cost in NE & HS, TSP areas, A&N and Lakshadweep Islands.
      Cost of planting material & cultivation of Orchid & Anthurium under poly house/shade net house is Rs. 700/Sqm and 50% of cost limited to 4000 sq.m. per beneficiary.
      Cost of planting material & cultivation of Carnation & Gerbera under poly house/shade net house is Rs. 610/Sqm and 50% of cost limited to 4000 sq.m. per beneficiary.
      Cost of planting material & cultivation of Rose and lilum under poly house/shade net house is Rs. 426/Sqm and 50% of cost limited to 4000 sq.m. per beneficiary.

      As per MIDH guidelines, the cost norm for cultivation of high value vegetables grown in polyhouse is Rs.140/Sq. m (50% of cost limited to 4000 sq.m. per beneficiary).

      As per MIDH guidelines for establishing of Hi-Tech Nursery (4ha) cost norms is Rs. 25.00 lakh/ha and applicable 100% to public sector limited to Rs 100 lakh/unit and in case of private sector, credit linked back-ended subsidy @ 40% of cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 40 lakh/unit, for a maximum of 4 ha as project based activity on pro rata basis.
      For Small Nursery (1 ha) cost norms is Rs. 15.00 lakh/ha and 100% to public sector and in case of private sector, credit linked back-ended subsidy of cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 7.50 lakh/unit, as project based activity.

      As per MIDH guideline there is assistance for purchasing of some Farm Machinery –

      Post harvest technology (PHT) is inter-disciplinary "Science and Technique" applied to agricultural produce after harvest for its protection, conservation, processing, packaging, distribution, marketing, and utilization to meet the food and nutritional requirements of the people in relation to their needs. Use of appropriate PHT reduces the post harvest and storage losses; adds value to the product, generates employment in the village and re-establishes agro-industries in rural sector. However, Post- Harvest Management (PHM) can be defined as methods and techniques applied to increase the life and retain produce.

      Ministry of Food Processing Industries commissioned a study in 2012 on “Assessment of Quantitative Harvest and Post-harvest Losses of Major Crops/Commodities in India” which was conducted by Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering & Technology (CIPHET), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The report of the study was published in 2015.
      As per this report, post-harvest losses including losses during storage were in the range of 4.65% to 5.99% (cereals), 6.36% to 8.41% (pulses), 3.08% to 9.96% (oil seeds), 6.70% to 15.88% (fruits) and 4.58% to 12.44% (vegetables).

      Under Post harvest component credit linked back ended subsidy @ 35% of the project cost in general areas and 50% in case of hilly and schedule areas is available. The component is demand/entrepreneur driven through commercial ventures for which Government assistance is credit linked and back ended.