In News:

• The Union Government has decided to introduce four new components under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), aimed at promoting modern farming techniques:Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming&Precision Agriculture

Key Features of MIDH:

• MIDH is a Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) aimed at the integrated development of various horticulture crops, including:
  • Fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo.
• The scheme focuses on pre-production, production, post-harvest management, processing, and marketing activities.

Revision of Operational Guidelines and Cost Norms:

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare is revising the MIDH operational guidelines and cost norms, which were last updated in April 2014.
• The revised guidelines are expected to be released within one month.
• Cost norms are likely to increase by 20% compared to the existing rates, addressing concerns from various states about outdated guidelines.

Reason for Revision:

• Several states, including Odisha, have raised concerns over the old rates under MIDH. For example, Odisha’s Agriculture Minister highlighted that the state was still using 10-year-old rates.
• The Union Cabinet had already approved the rationalization of all CSS operating under the Ministry into two umbrella schemes:
  • Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)
  • Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

Growth in India's Horticulture Sector:

• India’s horticulture production has significantly increased in recent years:
  • Total production reached 334.60 million metric tonnes in 2020-21, up from 240.53 million metric tonnes in 2010-11.
• India is now the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, surpassing food grain production.
• MIDH Annual Budget:The annual allocation for MIDH in the current financial year (2024-25) is ?2,000 crore.