New Delhi: In a major push for sustainable agriculture, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have inked a $98 million loan agreement aimed at improving the access of horticulture farmers to certified disease-free planting materials.

This initiative is expected to enhance crop yield, quality, and resilience against climate change.

The loan agreement, signed as part of the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), was formalized by Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary at the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Mr. Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Ms. Mukherjee stated, "The ADB funding will significantly promote plant health, which is critical for boosting farmers' productivity."

Mr. Yeo added, "The project will develop a regulatory framework and institutional systems to effectively implement the CPP for horticulture. Close collaboration with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations will be key to its success."

As climate change continues to impact agriculture, the initiative is expected to help farmers adapt by mitigating the effects of rising temperatures on pest and disease behavior.

Key components of the project include:

1. Establishing clean plant centers to maintain disease-free planting materials.

2. Equipping these centers with advanced diagnostic laboratories and expert personnel trained in clean plant procedures.

3. Introducing a clean plant certification scheme to accredit private nurseries and certify planting materials.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will spearhead the project, with implementation support from the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

By ensuring disease-free planting materials, this initiative aims to transform horticulture in India, making it more sustainable and resilient against climatic and biological challenges.