Open Farming Subsidy

The Development of Commercial Horticulture Scheme, aimed at facilitating the production and post-harvest management of horticulture crops, is initiated by the National Horticulture Board (NHB). By supporting eligible processing activities and providing financial assistance for infrastructure development, the scheme aims to enhance the productivity and profitability of horticulture farming.

Objectives

1. Promote Commercial Horticulture: Encourage the adoption of modern techniques and practices for the production and post-harvest management of horticulture crops.
2. Facilitate Infrastructure Development: Provide financial assistance for the establishment of essential infrastructure and processing units to support horticulture farming.
3. Support for Small and Marginal Farmers: Extend financial support to small and marginal farmers, especially in the North East region and hilly states, to enhance their participation in commercial horticulture.

Components of the Scheme

1. Eligible Processing Activities:
   • Provision of planting material, plantation, irrigation, fertigation, mechanization, precision farming, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), farm machinery, post-harvest management (PHM) components, and primary processing units.

Add-on Components

• Cost of Land
• Land Development
• Cultivation Expenses
• Drip System with Internal Pipeline
• Irrigation Infrastructure
• Horticulture Mechanization
• Civil Infrastructure
• Bed Preparation

Minimum Land Area Requirement

• General Area: 5 Acres
• North East Region: 1 Acre

Financial Assistance

• General Area:
  • @40% of the project cost, limited to ₹30.00 Lakh per project.
• North East, Hilly States & Scheduled Caste:
  • @50% of the project cost, limited to ₹37.50 Lakh per project.

Implementation Plan

1. Project Proposal Submission:

   • Interested farmers submit detailed project proposals to NHB, outlining the proposed activities and infrastructure requirements.

2. Project Evaluation and Approval:

   • NHB evaluates proposals based on feasibility, impact, and compliance with scheme guidelines.
   • Approved projects receive financial assistance as per the scheme criteria.

3. Infrastructure Setup:

   • Procurement and installation of essential infrastructure components and processing units.
   • Implementation of cultivation and post-harvest management activities as per the project plan.

4. Crop Cultivation and Management:

   • Plantation and cultivation of horticulture crops using modern techniques and practices.
   • Adoption of precision farming and GAP to ensure optimal crop yield and quality.

5. Post-harvest Management:

   • Implementation of post-harvest management practices to minimize losses and maintain product quality.
   • Setup of primary processing units for value addition and market readiness.

6. Monitoring & Evaluation:

   • Regular monitoring of project progress and expenditure utilization.
   • Evaluation of outcomes in terms of increased productivity, income generation, and adoption of modern horticulture practices.

Conclusion

The Development of Commercial Horticulture Scheme by NHB aims to promote the production and post-harvest management of horticulture crops through infrastructure development and financial assistance. By supporting eligible processing activities and providing add-on components, the scheme facilitates the adoption of modern techniques and practices for enhanced productivity and profitability in horticulture farming.

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