Support to Farmers under MIDH

Why in news

The government is implementing the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, to provide institutional, technical, and extension support to farmers for adopting protected cultivation technologies.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Economy, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the development of the horticulture sector.
2. It provides institutional, technical, and extension support to farmers.
3. The scheme aims to assist farmers in adopting protected cultivation technologies.
4. Support is channelled through various institutions including State Horticulture Missions, ICAR Institutes, SAUs, KVKs, and Centres of Excellence.
5. Sixty-one crop-specific Centres of Excellence have been established under MIDH, often through international cooperation (Indo-Israel, Indo-Dutch).
6. These Centres of Excellence act as demonstration and training centres, providing elite planting material and seedlings.
7. Assistance is also available for capacity building and training of farmers and field functionaries under the Human Resource Development component.

Prelims pointers

• MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• MIDH focuses on the integrated development of the horticulture sector.
• Protected cultivation technologies are supported under MIDH.
• Centres of Excellence (CoEs) are established under MIDH for demonstration, training, and supply of planting materials.
• NHB implements programmes like the Clean Plant Programme and Horticulture Cluster Development Programme under MIDH.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer incomes in India, with a special focus on its role in promoting protected cultivation technologies.

Static linkage

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a government initiative aimed at promoting horticulture. This relates to agricultural development policies, schemes for farmer welfare, and the role of research and extension services in agriculture, all of which are part of the Indian agricultural landscape and syllabus topics.

Significance

The MIDH scheme plays a crucial role in modernizing India's horticulture sector by promoting advanced cultivation techniques like protected cultivation. This can lead to increased productivity, better quality produce, reduced crop losses due to pests and climate, and enhanced farmer incomes. The establishment of Centres of Excellence, often through international collaboration, facilitates knowledge transfer and access to superior planting materials, thereby boosting the sector's competitiveness and contributing to food security and rural development.