Details about Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
The Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at boosting the horticulture sector in India. It covers crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, mushrooms, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo. The scheme operates across all states and Union Territories, providing technical and administrative support to state horticulture missions.
Key Components of MIDH:
- National Horticulture Mission (NHM):
- Coverage: All states and UTs except the North-East and Himalayan regions.
- Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Central:State).
- Launched in 2005-06, it focuses on the overall development of horticulture through a cluster-based approach, ensuring quality planting material, productivity improvements, technology promotion, and market infrastructure.
- Horticulture Mission for North-East & Himalayan States (HMNEH):
- Coverage: North-East states, Sikkim, and Himalayan states (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand).
- Funding Pattern: 90:10 (Central:State).
- Aims to develop horticulture in these regions, catering to their specific agro-climatic conditions.
Objectives of MIDH:
- Promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector, including bamboo and coconut, through region-specific strategies.
- Enhance farmer incomes by increasing productivity and ensuring better market linkages.
- Support sustainable practices like micro-irrigation, organic farming, and beekeeping.
- Encourage farmer groups like FPOs to achieve economies of scale.
- Create jobs in rural areas, focusing on skill development and post-harvest management.
Financial Assistance and Activities under MIDH:
- Nurseries and Tissue Culture Units: For quality planting materials.
- Area Expansion: Establishing orchards and gardens for fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
- Rejuvenation: Reviving old, unproductive orchards.
- Protected Cultivation: Poly-houses and greenhouses for off-season, high-value crops.
- Organic Farming: Support for organic practices and certification.
- Water Management: Creation of water resources and watershed management.
- Beekeeping: To improve pollination and productivity.
- Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Cold storage, grading, and marketing facilities.
Benefits of Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
The Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) offers numerous advantages to farmers and the horticulture sector. Here’s how it benefits the community:
- Boosts Crop Productivity:
- Encourages farmers to diversify from traditional crops to high-value plantations, orchards, vineyards, flowers, vegetable gardens, and bamboo plantations.
- Provides farmers with access to modern and appropriate farming technologies.
- Supports Advanced Research and Development (R&D):
- Promotes cutting-edge techniques for cultivation, production, and post-harvest management.
- Focuses on building cold chain infrastructure to extend the shelf life of perishable crops.
- Enhances Post-Harvest and Market Opportunities:
- Improves processing facilities for value addition to horticulture produce.
- Strengthens marketing infrastructure to help farmers get better prices for their produce.
By integrating modern technologies, improving infrastructure, and encouraging diversification, MIDH ensures increased productivity, reduced wastage, and better income opportunities for farmers. It is a step toward sustainable and profitable horticulture practices.
What is the eligibility criteria for Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)?
The Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is open to a wide range of participants, ensuring inclusivity in the horticulture sector. Here’s who can benefit:
- Farmers:
- Individual farmers actively engaged in horticulture activities can apply.
- Registered Societies:
- Societies registered under applicable laws are eligible to participate and benefit from the scheme.
- State Governments:
- State horticulture departments and related government bodies are eligible for technical and financial support.
This broad eligibility ensures that the scheme reaches diverse stakeholders, fostering growth and development in the horticulture industry.
How to apply for Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)?
Applying for the MIDH Scheme is a simple, step-by-step process:
- Contact the Horticulture Officer:
- Interested applicants should reach out to their local District Horticulture Officer or Block Horticulture Officer for guidance and to apply.
- Submission of Details:
- The Horticulture Officer will collect the applicant’s details and project plan and forward them to the State Horticulture Mission.
- Proposal Finalization:
- The State Horticulture Mission reviews and finalizes proposals submitted by District Horticulture Missions.
- Guideline-Based Evaluation:
- Proposals are assessed based on the guidelines of the MIDH scheme to ensure alignment with its objectives.
- Approval and Assistance:
- Once approved, financial assistance is directly provided to the beneficiary.
This streamlined process ensures that eligible applicants receive the necessary support to enhance their horticulture activities efficiently.
What are the documents required to apply for Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)?
To apply for the MIDH Scheme, applicants typically need the following documents:
- Aadhaar Number: For identity verification.
- Land Documents: Proof of ownership or lease agreement for the land.
- Caste Certificate: Required if applying under specific reserved categories.
- Bank Details: Account information for direct transfer of financial assistance.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
Note: The required documents may vary depending on the type of intervention and the state. It’s advisable to consult the District or Block Horticulture Officer for a detailed checklist specific to your application.