Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
Context (HT): The government has introduced the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) to promote disease-free, high-quality cultivation of grapes, oranges, and pomegranates.
Key Details:
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW)
- Implementing Agencies: National Horticulture Board (NHB) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Launched Under: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Objectives:
- Ensure availability of certified, disease-free planting material for horticultural crops.
- Boost productivity, quality, and export potential of Indian horticulture produce.
- Facilitate technology transfer through collaborations with Israel and the Netherlands.
Core Components:
- Clean Plant Centres (CPCs):
- Nine CPCs will be established to provide virus diagnostics, treatment, and quarantine for domestic and imported planting materials.
- Nursery Development:
- Creation of large and medium-scale nurseries to multiply and distribute clean planting stock.
- Regulatory Framework:
- Strengthened certification and traceability under the Seeds Act, 1966 to ensure accountability.
Significance:
- Higher yields and increased farmer incomes due to superior planting material.
- Enhanced global competitiveness by meeting international quality standards.
- Reduction in crop losses from viral and bacterial infections.