Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

Mission for Integrated Development of HorticultureHorticulture (MIDH)

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The scheme was launched in 2005 with the objective of promoting the development of horticulture in the country.

  • Focus Crops
  • Production and Post-harvest Management
  • Protected Cultivation
  • Value Addition and Market Linkages
  • Capacity Building and Training
  • Research and Technology
  • State Horticulture Missions (SHMs)
  • Funding Patterns

          Focus Crops

MIDH encompasses a vast range of horticultural crops, including:

  • Fruits: Mango, banana, citrus, grapes, apple, etc.
  • Vegetables: Tomato, onion, potato, cauliflower, cabbage etc.
  • Root and Tuber Crops: Potato, sweet potato, tapioca, etc.
  • Mushrooms, Spices, Flowers, Aromatic Plants
  • Coconut, Cashew, Cocoa, and Bamboo

Production and Post-Harvest Management

MIDH emphasizes improving productivity and reducing post-harvest losses through:

  • Establishment of nurseries for quality planting material
  • Area expansion with new plantations
  • Rejuvenation of senile orchards
  • Integrated nutrient and pest management
  • Mechanization to reduce labor costs
  • Post-harvest InfrastructureInfrastructure like pack houses, ripening chambers, and cold storage.

Protected Cultivation

The mission promotes protected cultivation technologies to improve yield, quality, and off-season availability:

  • Greenhouses, polyhouses, and shade net houses for controlled environments
  • Precision farming techniques like Drip Irrigation and FertigationFertigation

Value Addition and Market Linkages

MIDH supports value addition and market development initiatives:

  • Food processing units for fruit and vegetable products
  • Support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
  • Development of rural markets and wholesale markets
  • Participation in exhibitions and trade fairs

Capacity Building and Training

The mission invests in knowledge sharing and skill development for farmers and stakeholders:

  • Training and exposure visits to showcase best practices
  • Establishment of Centers of Excellence for specific crops

Research and Technology

MIDH funds research activities and promotes innovative technologies:

  • Crop improvement and development of new varieties
  • Integrated pest and disease management systems
  • Hi-tech horticulture practices

State Horticulture Missions (SHMs)

SHMs play a crucial role in implementing MIDH at the state level. They develop action plans, allocate funds, and monitor the progress of various interventions.

Funding Patterns

MIDH operates on a cost-sharing basis:

  • 60:40 ratio between the central and state governments for most states
  • 90:10 ratio for northeastern and Himalayan states

The MIDH aims to achieve the following objectives:

  • To increase the production and productivity of horticultural crops.
  • To improve the quality of horticultural produce.
  • To promote the processing and marketing of horticultural produce.
  • To create employment opportunities in the horticulture sector.
  • To improve the livelihood of farmers engaged in horticulture.

The MIDH is implemented through the State Governments and Union Territories. The scheme provides financial assistance to the States for undertaking various activities under the scheme. The activities include:

  • Development of Infrastructure for horticulture production, processing and marketing.
  • Promotion of research and development in horticulture.
  • Extension and training of farmers in horticulture.
  • Promotion of exports of horticultural produce.

The MIDH has been successful in achieving its objectives. The production of horticultural crops has increased significantly since the launch of the scheme. The quality of horticultural produce has also improved. The processing and marketing of horticultural produce has also been promoted. Employment opportunities in the horticulture sector have also increased. The livelihood of farmers engaged in horticulture has also improved.

The MIDH is a successful scheme that has made a significant contribution to the development of horticulture in the country. The scheme has helped to increase the production and productivity of horticultural crops, improve the quality of horticultural produce, promote the processing and marketing of horticultural produce, create employment opportunities in the horticulture sector, and improve the livelihood of farmers engaged in horticulture.

Frequently asked questions

1.  What is the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)?

The MIDH is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The scheme was launched in 2005 with the objective of promoting the development of horticulture in the country.

2.  What are the objectives of the MIDH?

  • The MIDH aims to achieve the following objectives:
  • To increase the production and productivity of horticultural crops.
  • To improve the quality of horticultural produce.
  • To promote the processing and marketing of horticultural produce.
  • To create employment opportunities in the horticulture sector.
  • To improve the livelihood of farmers engaged in horticulture.

3.  How is the MIDH implemented?

The MIDH is implemented through the State Governments and Union Territories. The scheme provides financial assistance to the States for undertaking various activities under the scheme. The activities include:

  • Development of infrastructure for horticulture production, processing and marketing.
  • Promotion of research and development in horticulture.
  • Extension and training of farmers in horticulture.
  • Promotion of exports of horticultural produce.

4.  What has been the impact of the MIDH?

The MIDH has been successful in achieving its objectives. The production of horticultural crops has increased significantly since the launch of the scheme. The quality of horticultural produce has also improved. The processing and marketing of horticultural produce has also been promoted. Employment opportunities in the horticulture sector have also increased. The livelihood of farmers engaged in horticulture has also improved.

5.  What are the future plans for the MIDH?

The MIDH will continue to be implemented in the coming years. The scheme will be further strengthened to achieve its objectives. The focus of the scheme will be on increasing the production and productivity of horticultural crops, improving the quality of horticultural produce, promoting the processing and marketing of horticultural produce, creating employment opportunities in the horticulture sector, and improving the livelihood of farmers engaged in horticulture.

6.What initiatives does the government undertake to support horticulture development?

The government implements various programs aimed at promoting horticulture, enhancing productivity, and supporting farmers in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

7.How does the government assist farmers in horticulture production?

The government provides financial assistance, technical guidance, and infrastructure support to farmers engaged in horticulture activities to improve yields and quality of produce.

8.What are the objectives of government schemes related to horticulture?

Government schemes aim to boost horticulture production, increase farmers’ income, create employment opportunities, and enhance nutritional security through the cultivation of fruits and vegetables.

9.What role do government agencies play in horticulture development?

Government agencies facilitate the implementation of horticulture programs, monitor progress, provide training, and disseminate best practices to farmers and stakeholders.

10.How does horticulture contribute to agricultural diversification?

Horticulture cultivation diversifies agricultural activities, offers alternative income sources for farmers, and contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

11.Are there specific schemes for small-scale farmers in horticulture?

Yes, the government designs schemes tailored to the needs of small-scale farmers, providing them with access to resources, technology, and market linkages to enhance their participation in horticulture.

12.What are the benefits of promoting horticulture in rural areas?

Promoting horticulture in rural areas generates employment, boosts rural economies, improves livelihoods, and contributes to Poverty Alleviation and overall rural development.

13.How does horticulture development impact environmental sustainability?

Horticulture practices promote sustainable land use, conservation of BiodiversityBiodiversity, and efficient water management, contributing to environmental preservation and climate resilience.

14.What measures does the government take to promote export-oriented horticulture production?

The government provides incentives, quality certification, market infrastructure, and export promotion schemes to encourage farmers to produce high-quality horticulture products for export markets.

15.How can farmers access government support for horticulture development?

Farmers can avail themselves of government support by registering for relevant schemes, seeking guidance from agricultural extension officers, and participating in training programs conducted by government agencies and departments.

MCQs

1. Which government initiative aims to promote holistic development in the horticulture sector?

  • a) NREGA
  • b) PM-KISAN
  • CC) MIDH
  • d) MGNREGA

2.Which program focuses on enhancing the productivity and quality of horticulture produce?

3.Which scheme aims to support the development of post-harvest management infrastructure?

4.Which initiative concentrates on promoting Organic Farming practices in the horticulture sector?

  • a) PM-KISAN
  • b) MIDH
  • c) Ayushman Bharat
  • d) Digital India

5.Which government scheme emphasizes the use of modern technologies in horticulture production?      

  • a) Bharat Nirman
  • b) Make in India
  • c) MIDH
  • d) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)

6.What government initiatives aim to support the development of horticulture?

  • A) National Agriculture Development Program
  • B) Rural Development Scheme
  • C) Integrated Horticulture Development Mission
  • D) Agricultural Modernization Project

7.How does the government assist farmers in horticulture production?

  • A) By providing financial aid only
  • B) By offering technical guidance and infrastructure support
  • C) By organizing marketing events
  • D) By promoting industrialization in rural areas

8.What are the objectives of government schemes related to horticulture?

  • A) To boost industrial output
  • B) To enhance agricultural exports
  • C) To increase farmers’ income and productivity
  • D) To improve transportation infrastructure

9.What role do government agencies play in horticulture development?

  • A) Monitoring environmental policies
  • B) Facilitating agricultural trade
  • C) Implementing horticulture programs and providing guidance
  • D) Managing urban development projects

10.How does horticulture contribute to agricultural diversification?

  • A) By focusing solely on cereal crops
  • B) By increasing the use of chemical fertilizers
  • C) By introducing new farming techniques
  • D) By offering alternative crops like fruits and vegetables

11.Are there specific schemes for small-scale farmers in horticulture?

  • A) No, schemes are only for large-scale farmers
  • B) Yes, schemes are tailored to the needs of small-scale farmers
  • C) No, small-scale farmers are not eligible for government support
  • D) Yes, but they are the same as those for large-scale farmers

12.What are the benefits of promoting horticulture in rural areas?

  • A) Decreased rural employment
  • B) Reduced agricultural productivity
  • C) Improved livelihoods and rural economies
  • D) Increased urban migration

13.How does horticulture development impact environmental sustainability?

14.What measures does the government take to promote export-oriented horticulture production?

  • A) Providing subsidies for domestic consumption
  • B) Implementing trade restrictions
  • C) Offering incentives, quality certification, and export promotion schemes
  • D) Restricting market access for farmers

15.How can farmers access government support for horticulture development?

  • A) By relying solely on private sector initiatives
  • B) By registering for relevant schemes and seeking guidance from agricultural extension officers
  • C) By participating in international agricultural forums
  • D) By engaging in agricultural lobbying efforts

 

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