The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a centrally sponsored scheme, plays a pivotal role in propelling the growth and development of India’s horticulture sector. Launched in 2014, this comprehensive mission focuses on the holistic development of horticulture, encompassing fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo.
Key Objectives of MIDH
- Increasing Production and Productivity: Promoting improved cultivation techniques, quality planting material, and technology adoption to boost horticultural yields.
- Post-Harvest Management: Focus on reducing losses through the establishment of efficient cold chains, processing facilities, and value addition infrastructure.
- Market Development: Strengthening market linkages, supporting farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and promoting agribusiness ventures.
- Capacity Building: Providing training, skill development, and technology demonstrations to farmers and stakeholders across the value chain.
- Sustainability Focus: Encouraging resource conservation, climate-smart horticulture practices, organic farming, and protected cultivation.
MIDH in Action: Success Stories and Impact
- Record Production: MIDH has contributed significantly to India achieving record horticulture production, surpassing even grain production.
- Enhanced Farm Incomes: Improved productivity, market access, and value addition activities translate to better incomes for farmers.
- Export Boost: Increased production and improved quality standards have boosted India’s horticultural exports.
Components of MIDH
MIDH supports various interventions through several sub-schemes:
- National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Focus on production and productivity improvement.
- Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH): Targets development in hilly areas.
- National Horticulture Board (NHB): Supports post-harvest management and marketing.
- Coconut Development Board (CDB): Coconut development and value addition.
- Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH): Focuses on research and technology for the Northeast region.
FAQs About MIDH
- Who can benefit from MIDH schemes? Farmers, horticulturists, entrepreneurs, FPOs, and other stakeholders in the horticulture sector.
- How to access MIDH benefits? Information and assistance are available through State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) and horticulture departments.
MCQs
The primary focus of MIDH is the development of:
A. The dairy sector
B. Food processing industries
C. Textile industries
D. Horticulture sector
Which of these is NOT a component of MIDH?
A. Coconut Development Board
B. National Horticulture Board
C. Khadi and Village Industries Commission
D. Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States