Central Government Scheme : The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

 Central Government Scheme : The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) 

Introduction :

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Government of India to promote holistic and sustainable development of the horticulture sector in the country. Launched in 2014-15, MIDH aims to enhance horticultural production, improve productivity, and strengthen the value chain from farm to market.

Main Features of MIDH :

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme has several main features that aim to promote holistic development and sustainability in the horticulture sector. The key features of the MIDH scheme include:

Comprehensive approach: MIDH adopts a comprehensive approach by covering various aspects of horticulture, including fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, and medicinal crops. It addresses the entire horticulture value chain, from production to post-harvest management, processing, and marketing.

Area-based planning: The scheme promotes area-based planning, considering the specific agro-climatic conditions, local crop suitability, and market demand. It encourages the selection of horticulture crops based on the potential of the region, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and improved profitability for farmers.

Support for production inputs: MIDH provides support for the production inputs required for horticultural crops. This includes assistance for high-quality planting material, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and other necessary inputs. The scheme aims to ensure the availability of quality inputs to farmers at affordable prices.

Capacity building and training: MIDH focuses on capacity building and training programs for farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the horticulture sector. It promotes the dissemination of knowledge, advanced technologies, and best practices through training, demonstrations, exposure visits, workshops, and seminars. This helps in enhancing skills, improving productivity, and adopting modern techniques.

Infrastructure development: The scheme emphasizes the creation of necessary infrastructure and facilities for horticulture. It supports the development of irrigation systems, nurseries, polyhouses, greenhouses, cold storage units, pack houses, processing units, and marketing infrastructure. The aim is to improve post-harvest management, reduce wastage, and enhance market access for horticultural produce.

Market linkage and value addition: MIDH focuses on strengthening market linkages and value addition activities in the horticulture sector. It supports the establishment of farmer-producer organizations, market yards, wholesale markets, e-marketing platforms, and food processing units. This facilitates better price realization for farmers and promotes value addition activities to enhance income opportunities.

Promotion of organic farming: The scheme encourages the adoption of organic farming practices in horticulture. It provides support for organic input production, certification, and capacity building on organic farming techniques. This promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly horticultural production, addressing the increasing demand for organic produce.

Research and development: MIDH promotes research and development activities in the horticulture sector. It supports the establishment of research institutes, centers of excellence, and innovation centers to address the challenges specific to horticulture and develop new technologies, varieties, and pest management approaches.

Convergence with other schemes: MIDH aims to achieve convergence with other related schemes and programs to maximize the impact and benefits. It coordinates with schemes such as the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and other agriculture and rural development programs to ensure effective implementation and resource utilization.

Advantages of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme:

Holistic development: MIDH adopts a comprehensive approach to horticulture development, covering various crops and aspects of the value chain. It promotes integrated and sustainable development, addressing production, post-harvest management, processing, and marketing, leading to overall sector growth.

Increased productivity and income: MIDH focuses on improving productivity through the adoption of modern technologies, improved varieties, and best practices. This leads to increased crop yields and improved quality, resulting in higher farm incomes for horticulture farmers.

Diversification and crop mix: The scheme encourages diversification in horticulture by promoting the cultivation of a wide range of crops. This reduces risks associated with mono-cropping and enhances market opportunities. It also promotes the cultivation of high-value and niche crops, providing farmers with additional income sources.

Value addition and market linkage: MIDH emphasizes value addition activities such as processing, packaging, and branding of horticultural produce. This helps in capturing a higher share of the value chain and enhancing market opportunities. The scheme also supports market linkages, enabling farmers to connect with buyers and access better prices for their produce.

Infrastructure development: MIDH supports the creation of essential infrastructure and facilities such as irrigation systems, cold storage units, processing units, and market yards. This enhances post-harvest management, reduces wastage, and improves the shelf life and quality of horticultural produce.

Capacity building and knowledge dissemination: The scheme promotes capacity building and training programs for farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in the horticulture sector. This helps in disseminating knowledge, sharing best practices, and improving skills. It empowers farmers to adopt modern techniques, enhance productivity, and make informed decisions.

Disadvantages of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) Scheme:

Implementation challenges: Implementing a large-scale scheme like MIDH across diverse geographical regions can be challenging. Ensuring timely and effective implementation, coordination between different stakeholders, and monitoring progress can be complex.

Limited coverage and resources: The scheme may not cover all horticulture farmers, particularly those in remote areas or with small landholdings. Limited resources may lead to inadequate support and reach, resulting in disparities in benefits among farmers.

Sustainability concerns: The emphasis on high-input horticulture practices may raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of production systems. Overreliance on chemical inputs, water resources, and intensive cultivation practices without adequate attention to environmental conservation and resource management can have negative ecological impacts.

Access to finance and credit: Availability of finance and credit is crucial for farmers to adopt modern technologies, invest in infrastructure, and expand their horticulture activities. Limited access to formal credit, particularly for small and marginal farmers, can hinder their participation and benefit from the scheme.

Market risks and price volatility: Despite efforts to strengthen market linkages, horticulture farmers may still face market risks, price volatility, and fluctuations in demand and supply. Lack of assured procurement systems and market intelligence can expose farmers to uncertainties in marketing their produce.

Need for continuous monitoring and evaluation: To ensure the scheme's effectiveness, regular monitoring and evaluation are essential. This helps identify gaps, assess impact, and make necessary improvements. Insufficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms may limit the scheme's ability to achieve its desired outcomes.

Finance and Subsidy :

The finance and subsidy components of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme involve both central and state government funding. Here is a breakdown of the finance and subsidy aspects:

Central Assistance: The central government provides financial assistance to the states/UTs for implementing various components of the MIDH scheme. The assistance is provided on a cost-sharing basis, with different sharing patterns depending on the component.

State/UT Contribution: The respective state or union territory (UT) government also contributes a share of the funds required for implementing the MIDH scheme. The contribution varies based on the component and the state/UT's financial capacity.

Subsidy Component: The MIDH scheme offers subsidies to farmers and other stakeholders in the horticulture sector to promote their participation and adoption of best practices. The subsidies are provided for various activities such as:

Planting material: Subsidies are provided for high-quality planting material, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, and rootstocks.

Infrastructure development: Subsidies are offered for setting up infrastructure such as polyhouses, greenhouses, shade net houses, cold storage units, pack houses, and processing units.

Machinery and equipment: Subsidies are provided for the purchase of agricultural machinery and equipment, including tools for cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest management.

Inputs: Subsidies are available for inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and other necessary inputs for horticulture production.

Certification: Subsidies are offered for organic certification, encouraging farmers to adopt organic farming practices.

Capacity building: Subsidies are provided for training programs, workshops, seminars, demonstrations, and exposure visits to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers and stakeholders.

Budget Allocation: The central government allocates a budget for the MIDH scheme in its annual budgetary allocations. The budgetary provisions may vary from year to year based on the government's priorities and overall allocation for the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

Financial Management: The funds allocated for the MIDH scheme are managed and disbursed through designated agencies or departments responsible for implementing the scheme at the state or UT level. These agencies are responsible for ensuring proper utilization of funds, monitoring progress, and reporting on the utilization and impact of the funds.

It's important to note that the specific financial allocations, subsidy rates, and sharing patterns may vary from state to state and are subject to changes based on government policies and budgetary decisions. Farmers and stakeholders interested in availing the subsidies under the MIDH scheme should refer to the official guidelines and contact the State Department of Horticulture or the implementing agency in their respective state/UT for detailed information on the subsidy rates, application procedures, and eligibility criteria.

How To Apply :

To apply for the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme, you can follow these general steps:

Identify the implementing agency: The MIDH scheme is implemented by the State Department of Horticulture or a designated agency in each state or union territory (UT). Identify the relevant department or agency responsible for implementing the scheme in your area.

Gather information: Obtain detailed information about the MIDH scheme, including its components, eligibility criteria, subsidy rates, and the required application documents. This information can be obtained from the official website of the State Department of Horticulture or by contacting the relevant department or agency.

Fulfill eligibility criteria: Review the eligibility criteria to determine if you meet the requirements for availing benefits under the MIDH scheme. The eligibility criteria may include factors such as landholding, type of horticulture activity, category of farmer, and other specific conditions based on the scheme's components.

Prepare necessary documents: Gather all the required documents as specified in the application guidelines. This may include identity proof, land documents, bank account details, caste or category certificates (if applicable), and any other supporting documents as per the scheme's requirements.

Fill out the application form: Obtain the application form from the designated agency or download it from the official website. Fill out the form accurately and provide all the necessary details as requested. Make sure to double-check the information provided before submitting the form.

Attach supporting documents: Attach all the required supporting documents along with the application form. Ensure that the documents are duly attested or certified as per the guidelines mentioned in the application form.

Submit the application: Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents to the designated agency or department. Follow the specified submission process, which may include submitting the application in person, mailing it, or applying online through a dedicated portal, if available.

Follow-up and verification: After submitting the application, regularly follow up with the designated agency or department to track the progress of your application. The agency may conduct verification processes, site visits, or additional documentation checks as part of the application evaluation process.

Benefit disbursal: If your application is approved, you will be notified by the designated agency regarding the subsidy or benefits you are eligible to receive under the MIDH scheme. The subsidy amount or other assistance will be disbursed through the designated mode, such as direct bank transfer, as per the prescribed procedure.