Scheme for Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Produce
The Scheme for Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Produce, implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), offers credit-linked back-ended subsidies (typically 35%–50%) for establishing commercial horticulture projects. It focuses on high-value crops, greenhouse cultivation, and post-harvest infrastructure like pack houses, pre-cooling units, and cold storage to reduce losses.
Key Details of the Scheme
Implementing Agency: National Horticulture Board (NHB) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Eligible Projects: Development of commercial horticulture (open/protected), nurseries, and integrated post-harvest management.
Pattern of Assistance: Credit-linked back-ended subsidy (subsidy released after project completion and loan disbursement).
General Areas: 35% of project cost (up to ₹50.75 lakh).
NE Region, Hilly States, Scheduled Areas: 50% of project cost (up to ₹72.50 lakh).
Eligible Entities: Individuals, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperatives, Partnerships, and Companies.
Components Covered
Commercial Horticulture Development: High-value crops (flowers, vegetables), aromatic plants, mushrooms, and tissue culture.
Protected Cultivation: Greenhouses, shade nets, plastic tunnels, and anti-hail nets.
Post-Harvest Management: Pack houses, pre-cooling units, cold rooms, ripening chambers, reefer vans, and primary processing units.
Nursery Development: Setting up new or upgrading existing nurseries for quality planting material.
Eligibility and Requirements
Land Ownership: Land must be owned or leased for a minimum of 10 years (15 years for fruit/plantation crops).
Project Size: Typically for commercial-scale projects (e.g., above 2.0 ha for open field).
Project Mode: Projects must be credit-linked (financed via bank term loans).
Accreditation: Planting materials must be sourced from NHB-accredited nurseries
