Major Facilities Offered by the Government of Uttar Pradesh for Development of Horticulture

Introduction

The Government of Uttar Pradesh has implemented several key facilities and initiatives to promote and advance horticulture in the state. These efforts aim to boost productivity, support farmers, and enhance the overall horticultural sector.

1. Financial Assistance and Subsidies

• Facility Overview: The government provides substantial financial assistance and subsidies to horticulturists for various aspects, including the purchase of seeds, saplings, fertilizers, and modern equipment.
• Recent Example: In 2023, the state announced a ₹6000 crore subsidy program for horticulture, aimed at supporting the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This initiative includes subsidies for high-yielding varieties and advanced irrigation systems.

2. Development of Horticultural Infrastructure

• Infrastructure Projects: Investments are made in creating infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, pack houses, and processing units to improve the post-harvest management of horticultural products.
• Recent Development: The “Cold Storage Infrastructure Scheme” initiated in 2023 focuses on establishing state-of-the-art cold storage facilities in key horticultural regions, such as Kanpur and Agra, to reduce post-harvest losses.

3. Technical Support and Training

• Training Programs: The state government organizes training programs and workshops to educate farmers about modern horticultural practices, pest management, and disease control.
• Example: The “Horticulture Skill Development Program” launched in 2023 provides hands-on training in advanced horticultural techniques, including organic farming and precision agriculture, benefiting over 10,000 farmers statewide.

4. Research and Development

• R&D Initiatives: The government supports research and development activities to develop new varieties of fruits and vegetables, improve soil health, and enhance pest resistance.
• Recent Initiative: Collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) has led to the development of new high-yielding and disease-resistant vegetable varieties, which have been introduced in the state’s horticultural farms.

5. Marketing Support

• Market Access: Facilities are provided to improve market access for horticultural products through the development of agricultural produce marketing committees (APMCs) and dedicated markets.
• Recent Example: The “Horti-Market Initiative” established in 2023 aims to create specialized markets for horticultural products, enhancing farmer access to urban markets and improving price realization.

Conclusion

The Government of Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in enhancing horticulture through financial support, infrastructure development, technical training, research and development, and marketing facilities. These initiatives are designed to foster growth in the horticultural sector, increase productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farmers.