India Signs $98 Million Loan Agreement with ADB to Boost Horticulture and Combat Climate Challenges

Government has signed a loan agreement worth USD 98 million with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance access to certified disease-free planting materials for horticulture farmers. This initiative aims to improve crop yields, quality, and climate resilience. It aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), which focuses on strengthening plant health management across the country.

The agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Kai Wei Yeo, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission. Highlighting the project’s importance, Mukherjee highlighted, “ADB funding will promote plant health, a critical factor for improving farmers’ productivity.”

ADB’s Yeo underscored the programme’s role in fostering collaboration among private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations to ensure its long-term success and sustainability. He stated, “The CPP will establish a robust regulatory framework and institutional systems to promote disease-free planting materials in horticulture.”

A core component of the programme is the establishment of clean plant centres dedicated to maintaining disease-free foundation materials. These centres will feature state-of-the-art laboratories with advanced diagnostic testing technologies and be staffed by experts trained in clean plant operating procedures and diagnostic protocols.

The project also aims to roll out a clean plant certification scheme, accrediting private nurseries and certifying planting materials for farmers. This initiative will boost crop yields, improve quality, and enhance resilience to climate change by reducing vulnerability to pests and diseases.

The implementation of the programme will be led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

By ensuring the availability of disease-free planting materials, this collaboration marks a significant step in India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in agriculture while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.