Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture- NHM and HMNEH

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

The Government of India initiated the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in the financial year 2014-15, integrating various existing schemes such as the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North-East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), and others. This initiative aims to enhance the horticulture sector across the country, offering a structured framework for development and sustainability.

Overview of MIDH

MIDH encompasses a diverse array of horticultural products, including fruits, vegetables, tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, and more. This scheme operates as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme and is applicable across all states and Union Territories (UTs) in India. Additionally, MIDH provides essential technical guidance and administrative assistance to State Governments and State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) for various horticultural endeavors.

Operational Areas and Funding Structure

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary purpose of the MIDH is to foster comprehensive growth in the horticulture sector, with the following key objectives:

• Holistic Development: Encourage region-specific strategies for horticultural growth, including bamboo and coconut cultivation, focusing on research, technology dissemination, and marketing.
• Farmer Aggregation: Promote the formation of farmer groups such as Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to achieve economies of scale.
• Increase Production: Amplify horticulture output, boost farmer incomes, and enhance nutritional security.
• Productivity Enhancement: Improve productivity through quality germplasm and efficient water usage via micro-irrigation techniques.
• Skill Development: Foster skill enhancement and generate employment opportunities for rural youth in horticulture and post-harvest management, especially in cold chain sectors.

Major Interventions Supported by MIDH

Financial assistance under MIDH is available for various critical activities:

• Establishment of nurseries and tissue culture units for quality seed and planting material production.
• Area expansion through the creation of new orchards and gardens for fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• Rejuvenation of old and unproductive orchards.
• Protected cultivation techniques, such as poly-houses and greenhouses, to enhance productivity and facilitate off-season high-value crop cultivation.
• Organic farming practices and certification processes.
• Creation of water resource structures and watershed management initiatives.
• Beekeeping initiatives for improved pollination.
• Horticultural mechanization efforts.
• Development of post-harvest management and marketing infrastructure.

Benefits of the Scheme

The MIDH aims to deliver several benefits, including:

• Enhanced crop productivity through diversification from traditional methods to modern practices such as plantations, orchards, and vegetable gardens.
• Promotion of research and development technologies focused on cultivation, production, and post-harvest management, with an emphasis on cold chain infrastructure.
• Improved post-harvest management and marketing infrastructure for value addition.

Eligibility Criteria

All farmers, registered societies, and state governments are qualified to participate in this scheme.

Application Process

To apply for the MIDH, follow these steps:

1. Contact the District Horticulture Officer or Block Horticulture Officer to express interest in the scheme.
2. The District Horticulture Officer/Block Horticulture Officer will forward the applicant’s details and project proposal to the State Horticulture Mission.
3. The State Horticulture Mission will review and finalize the proposals submitted by the District Horticulture Missions.
4. Each proposal will be evaluated according to the guidelines set by MIDH.
5. If approved, financial assistance will be allocated to the beneficiary.

For further details, please visit the official source at myScheme.gov.in.