Horticulture Development in UP

Discuss the major facilities offered by Government of Uttar Pradesh for development of horticulture in the State.

Approach: Begin with a brief background on horticultural potential of Uttar Pradesh. In the body, discuss the major government initiatives for development of horticulture in the State. Conclude with underlining the challenges addressed by these initiatives.

Uttar Pradesh offers exceptional horticultural potential through its nine diverse agro-climatic zones, vast cultivable land, and varied soil types. The Gangetic plains support mango and vegetable cultivation, while Bundelkhand suits drought-resistant crops. These natural advantages, combined with abundant water resources, position UP as a horticultural powerhouse.

To harness this immense potential, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has implemented a comprehensive set of facilities and initiatives across various dimensions of horticultural development, such as:

1. a) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) as an umbrella scheme for various horticulture programs, providing additional state funding with 50% subsidies for inputs. b) Enhanced irrigation support is available through micro-irrigation schemes (Per Drop More Crop), with supplementary state subsidies reaching 90% for small and marginal farmers growing horticultural crops.
2. a) Integrated cold chain projects receive subsidies ranging from 35-50% for establishing cold storage infrastructure under the Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy 2023; b) financial assistance for food processing units through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana specifically for processing horticultural produce.
3. a) Post-harvest management receives special attention with support for pack houses, ripening chambers, and transportation facilities; b) Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) operate as a network of agricultural extension centers providing technical knowledge and training on modern horticulture practices; c) Model Demonstration Farms have been established across several districts to showcase improved varieties and cultivation techniques.
4. a)Market linkage has been enhanced through the promotion and support of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for collective farming and marketing; b) The state has integrated horticultural markets with the electronic National Agriculture Market platform (e-NAM); c) established Kisan Mandis as designated markets for direct farmer-to-consumer sales of horticultural produce.
5. Several special initiatives further boost the sector a) One District One Product (ODOP) program, which features several horticultural products among its focus areas such as specific varieties of mangoes, vegetables, and medicinal plants; b) cluster development approach focusing on specific horticultural crops in identified areas with natural advantages c) Mango export facilitation initiatives target regions like Malihabad, known for Dussehri mangoes.

The multi-faceted government approach addresses production, processing, and marketing challenges, creating a sustainable ecosystem for horticultural growth in Uttar Pradesh.