The correct answer is: d) All of the above
The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2005 with the objective of increasing production, productivity, and profitability of horticulture crops in the country. The NHM aims to achieve this objective by providing financial assistance to states and union territories for undertaking various activities such as:
- Establishment of nurseries: The NHM provides financial assistance to states and union territories for establishing nurseries for the production of quality planting material. This helps to improve the availability of quality planting material to farmers, which in turn leads to higher productivity.
- Promotion of post-harvest management: The NHM provides financial assistance to states and union territories for promoting post-harvest management practices such as grading, packing, and storage. This helps to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of horticultural produce.
- Training and capacity building: The NHM provides financial assistance to states and union territories for training and capacity building of farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders in the horticulture sector. This helps to improve the knowledge and skills of stakeholders, which in turn leads to better adoption of new technologies and practices.
The NHM has been implemented in Bihar since 2005. The state government has received financial assistance from the NHM for undertaking various activities such as establishment of nurseries, promotion of post-harvest management, and training and capacity building. These activities have helped to boost horticulture development in Bihar.
According to the Horticulture Department of Bihar, the state’s horticulture sector has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% during the period 2005-2017. The state’s horticulture production has increased from 10.5 million tonnes in 2005-06 to 18.5 million tonnes in 2016-17. The state’s horticulture exports have increased from Rs. 1,000 crore in 2005-06 to Rs. 3,500 crore in 2016-17.
The growth of the horticulture sector in Bihar has been attributed to a number of factors, including the implementation of the NHM, the availability of quality planting material, the promotion of post-harvest management practices, and the training and capacity building of farmers and other stakeholders.