Regular Update
Agri Trade Media Network: Under the chairmanship of Shivraj Sinh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, the 33rd meeting of the National Horticulture Board (NHB) was recently held at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi. Important schemes related to the horticulture sector were discussed in detail during the meeting. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. Mangilal Jat, and senior officials from various departments.
The meeting reviewed schemes such as the Commercial Horticulture Development Scheme, Cold Chain Projects, Cluster Development Program (CDP), and Clean Plant Program. Minister Chouhan gave clear instructions that these schemes should be implemented on time, transparently, and in a farmer-centric manner, and that farmers should receive subsidies promptly. He emphasized that small farmers should benefit the most, and all systems should work together to increase their income.
Since horticultural products spoil quickly, instructions were also given to increase the shelf life of products, improve post-harvest management, and run awareness programs to reduce farmer losses. Additionally, Minister Chouhan stressed the importance of high-quality saplings, modern horticulture technology, increased productivity and quality, state-specific road maps, and strong systems connecting farmers to markets and cold chains.
During the meeting, Chouhan also released technical books prepared by NHB on Good Agricultural Practices, Organic Farming Models, and Advanced Horticulture Technology. These books will serve as useful guides for farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and experts. The National Horticulture Board works nationwide to develop commercial horticulture and cold chain infrastructure, and the meeting promoted comprehensive discussions and region-specific strategies.
