India initiates Clean Plant Programme to increase crop health and yields

The increasing dangers of climate change and plant diseases are a major challenge that India has been facing, and this greatly affects the amount of agricultural output, earnings of farmers and food quality. In response to this the government introduced the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) in August 2024 that was to supply the farmers with high-quality and virus-free planting material. The project will guarantee better crops, high yields and healthier produce to the consumer.

The Case of Clean Planting Material.
The existence of numerous plant diseases is not spotted by humans until the crops develop symptoms hence these categories are hard to manage in the field. The best prevention technique is the use of a seedling that is free of diseases. The CPP aims at cultivating and commercialization of certified clean plant stock, averting the expansion of the pathogens, improving the harvest, and improving the shelf life without employing degradable chemical treatments.

Programme Implementation and Finance.
The National Horticulture Board (NHB) carries out the plan of CPP with the technical assistance of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The number of dollars invested amounts to Rs1,765.67 crore comprising a loan of 98million dollars by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It is also developing nine Clean Plant Centres around the country with three Maharashtra centers, which would concentrate on grapes, oranges, and pomegranate. The contemporary nurseries will be able to provide until 8 crore disease-free seedlings per annum.

Key Activities and Progress
The programme has created specific web site to present resources and updates. Studies on hazards of crops being raised include grapes, apples, and citrus. The laboratory tests and sample testing are being done to establish superior virus detection devices. The Clean Plant Centre the first one is at its design level, and the specialists in NHB and ADB learn the best practices in Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir.

Process and Benefits
Pathogen tests are done on plant material before propagation. In case infected, viruses are eradicated by use of such treatments as tissue culture or heat. The certified clean plants are then sold to farmers using nurseries. The programme has its advantages to various stakeholders: the high-quality of the seedlings is received by the farmers, the infrastructure and certification support are provided by nurseries, better-quality produce are enjoyed by consumers, and the exports receive the support of the virus-free produce. It embraces equity as well by enabling seedlings to be affordable and involve their women farmers in training and planning.

Instead of its comparable state report, it should be aligned with the National initiatives.
CPP supports the sustainable development of agro-climatic surroundings in various zones of India complementing the Mission LiFE, National One Health Mission and traditional holistic disease management and sustainable agriculture production in the granting of plant health in the cultivation of horticultural.