National Horticulture Board

National Horticulture Board 2923

National Horticulture Board (NHB) is an organization in India established by the Government of India in 1984. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, with a mandate to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector through an array of services, including financing, development, and promotion of integrated development of horticulture.

Overview

The National Horticulture Board plays a pivotal role in the development of horticulture in India. It focuses on improving the production and productivity of horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, flowers, ornamental plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, spices, and coconuts. The NHB's initiatives are aimed at enhancing horticulture's contribution to the economy, ensuring food and nutritional security, and providing employment opportunities.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the National Horticulture Board include:

• To promote, develop, and finance horticulture and cold chain infrastructure in India.
• To support the creation of post-harvest management infrastructure and cold chain facilities for better shelf life and reduced post-harvest losses.
• To encourage the adoption of innovative technologies in horticulture and post-harvest management.
• To facilitate the provision of technical advice and administrative support to farmers and entrepreneurs.
• To conduct and support research in the development of new techniques and products in horticulture.

Programs and Schemes

The NHB implements various programs and schemes to achieve its objectives, such as:

• Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme for the development of commercial horticulture through project-based approach.
• Scheme for Development of Cold Chain Infrastructure for perishables.
• Scheme for Promotion of Horticulture in non-traditional areas and for non-conventional purposes.
• Assistance for the creation of post-harvest management and marketing infrastructure for horticultural produce.

Achievements

Over the years, the National Horticulture Board has made significant contributions to the growth of the horticulture sector in India. It has facilitated the establishment of numerous cold storage units, cold chain projects, and post-harvest management systems across the country. The NHB's efforts have led to an increase in the availability of quality horticultural produce, reduction in post-harvest losses, and improvement in the income of farmers and entrepreneurs involved in horticulture.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, the NHB faces several challenges, including the need for more extensive coverage of horticulture areas under its schemes, addressing the issue of climate change and its impact on horticulture, and the need for more significant technological intervention to improve productivity and quality.

Future Directions

The National Horticulture Board continues to work towards the sustainable development of horticulture in India. Its future directions include focusing on climate-resilient horticulture practices, promoting organic farming, and enhancing the use of information technology in horticulture for better decision-making and increased efficiency.