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Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme

Introduction

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (ACPP) is a pioneering initiative by the Government of India aimed at boosting the country’s horticulture sector. Announced in the Union Budget 2023–24, the program seeks to enhance the availability of disease-free, high-quality planting material for horticulture crops. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader mission of promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and improving agricultural productivity to ensure food security and economic growth.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme offers valuable insights into agriculture, public policy, economic development, and sustainable practices.

Objectives of the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme focuses on achieving the following goals:

  1. Supply of Disease-Free Planting Material:

    • Ensure the availability of high-quality, disease-free planting material for horticultural crops such as fruits, nuts, and ornamental plants.

  2. Enhancing Horticultural Productivity:

    • Increase yields and quality of produce by using superior planting material.

  3. Reducing Dependence on Imports:

    • Decrease reliance on imported planting materials by developing domestic capabilities.

  4. Boosting Farmers’ Income:

    • Provide farmers access to high-quality inputs, which can lead to better crop performance and higher profits.

  5. Supporting Sustainable Agriculture:

    • Promote practices that enhance long-term agricultural sustainability.

Salient Features of the Programme

  • Budget Allocation:

    • The government has allocated ₹2,200 crore for the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme over a span of seven years (2023–2030).

  • Clean Plant Centres:

    • Establishment of dedicated Clean Plant Centres to produce and supply high-quality planting material.
    • These centres will adhere to international standards for maintaining plant health and cleanliness.

  • Public-Private Collaboration:

    • Collaboration with private players, research institutions, and state governments for the effective implementation of the program.

  • Focus on Priority Crops:

    • Initially targets high-value horticulture crops such as mangoes, apples, citrus fruits, bananas, and ornamental plants.

  • Capacity Building:

    • Training programs for farmers, nurseries, and other stakeholders to promote the adoption of disease-free planting material.

  • Technology Integration:

    • Use of advanced diagnostics and tissue culture techniques to ensure the production of clean planting material.

Significance of the Programme

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme has far-reaching implications for India’s agriculture sector:

  1. Improved Horticultural Productivity:

    • The availability of clean planting material can significantly improve yields and quality, thereby enhancing India’s global competitiveness in horticultural exports.

  2. Reduction in Crop Losses:

    • Disease-free plants are less prone to infections, reducing losses due to pest and disease outbreaks.

  3. Economic Benefits:

    • By boosting horticultural output, the program contributes to the growth of the agricultural economy and the overall GDP.

  4. Employment Generation:

    • Establishing clean plant centres and expanding horticultural activities will create job opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.

  5. Environmental Sustainability:

    • Adoption of disease-free planting material reduces the need for chemical inputs like pesticides, promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Horticulture in India: An Overview

  • Significance:

    • Horticulture contributes significantly to India’s agriculture, accounting for 33% of agricultural GDP.
    • It supports livelihoods for millions of farmers and agricultural workers.

  • Diverse Production:

    • India is a leading producer of fruits (mangoes, bananas) and vegetables (potatoes, onions).
    • It also has significant production of spices, nuts, and ornamental plants.

  • Challenges in Horticulture:

    • Low-quality planting materials.
    • Susceptibility to pests and diseases.
    • Inadequate infrastructure for storage and transportation.

Challenges Addressed by the Programme

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme aims to tackle critical issues affecting Indian horticulture:

  1. Lack of Disease-Free Planting Material:

    • India currently relies on imports for high-quality planting material, leading to higher costs and limited availability.

  2. Frequent Disease Outbreaks:

    • Diseases like citrus greening, banana wilt, and apple scab significantly affect yields.

  3. Fragmented Supply Chains:

    • The absence of a structured network for supplying quality planting materials has led to inefficiencies.

  4. Low Export Competitiveness:

    • Poor quality planting materials limit the export potential of Indian horticultural products.

Implementation Strategy

  • Establishing Clean Plant Centres:

    • These centres will be equipped with advanced infrastructure for disease detection, tissue culture propagation, and quality assurance.

  • Collaboration with Research Institutions:

    • Partnering with agricultural universities, ICAR institutes, and private firms for R&D in clean plant technologies.

  • Awareness and Training:

    • Conducting awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs for farmers and nurseries.

  • Monitoring and Evaluation:

    • Periodic review of the programme’s progress to ensure its effectiveness.

Global Best Practices

India can learn from countries that have successfully implemented clean plant programs:

  1. United States:

    • The National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) ensures the availability of pathogen-free planting material for various crops.

  2. Australia:

    • Advanced biosecurity measures are integrated into their clean plant programs to prevent disease outbreaks.

  3. Netherlands:

    • Known for high-quality horticulture, the country uses state-of-the-art technology for producing clean planting material.

Challenges in Implementation

While the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme is ambitious, it faces several challenges:

  1. High Initial Investment:

    • Establishing clean plant centres requires substantial funding.

  2. Limited Awareness:

    • Farmers may be hesitant to adopt new practices without adequate awareness and training.

  3. Logistical Issues:

    • Ensuring the timely and widespread distribution of planting material across India.

  4. Technical Expertise:

    • The success of the programme depends on the availability of trained personnel and advanced diagnostic tools.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

  • Prelims:

    • Key facts about the programme, such as its objectives, budget allocation, and target crops.

  • Mains:

    • Topics related to agricultural development, sustainable farming, and government initiatives.

  • Essay:

    • Themes on “Agriculture and Self-Reliance” or “Role of Technology in Agriculture.”

  • Ethics:

    • Addressing farmers’ challenges and ensuring equity in resource distribution.

Practice Questions

  • Prelims Question:

    • Which of the following is a key objective of the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme?
      a) Promoting organic farming
      b) Ensuring disease-free planting material
      c) Enhancing soil fertility
      d) Increasing use of GM crops
      (Answer: b)

  • Mains Question:

    • Discuss the significance of the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme in boosting India’s horticulture sector. Highlight the challenges associated with its implementation.

Conclusion

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme represents a transformative step toward enhancing India’s agricultural productivity and self-reliance. By addressing the challenges of disease-prone planting materials and ensuring the availability of superior-quality inputs, the programme has the potential to revolutionize the horticulture sector. For UPSC aspirants, it serves as a case study in agricultural policy, economic development, and the importance of innovation in governance.

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