Assam’s horticulture sector is vibrant and diverse, covering a wide range of crops and activities. This integrated development mission focuses on enhancing the production and productivity of various horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices, floriculture, tuber crops (potato, sweet potato, tapioca), medicinal and aromatic plants, mushroom cultivation, as well as preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables. In addition, the mission promotes ancillary activities like beekeeping, food processing, micro-irrigation, post-harvest management, and cold-chain development to ensure high quality and sustainability in the sector.
Benefits
- Enhanced Production & Productivity:
Increased cultivation of high-value commercial crops like strawberry, passion fruit, and apple ber. - Subsidies and Incentives:
- Horticulture subsidy for fruits and vegetables.
- Horticulture subsidy for spices (for up to 4 ha per beneficiary).
- Horticulture subsidy for flower farming.
- Horticulture subsidy for plantation crops.
- Horticulture subsidy for aromatic plants.
- Assistance for orchard establishment.
- Improved Nutritional Security & Income:
Promotes higher yields and better quality produce, thereby increasing farmers’ income and nutritional security. - Quality Planting Material & Efficient Water Use:
Emphasis on the production and availability of quality germplasm and planting materials, supported by micro-irrigation for water use efficiency.
Eligibility
For special components under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification:
Possession of a Degree or Diploma in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. - Experience:
A minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience, preferably in the irrigation sector. - Academic Performance:
Minimum of 55% marks or 5.5/10 CGPA (or equivalent) at the graduate/diploma level. - Knowledge:
Basic computer knowledge is required.
Application Process
The application process is available both online and offline:
- Offline Process:
Applicants can visit the District Agriculture office and submit their applications through the local Agriculture Development Officer. - Online Process (for Special Components):
For special components like Cold Storage, Ripening Chamber, Cold Room, Rural Market, or Retail Outlet, applications may be submitted online via the designated portal.
Documents Required
- Educational certificate (Degree/Diploma in Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering).
- Proof of 2 years’ post-qualification experience (preferably in the irrigation sector).
- Academic mark sheet or certificate demonstrating at least 55% marks or 5.5/10 CGPA (or equivalent).
- Any additional documents as specified in the scheme guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the status of horticulture in Assam?
Assam’s horticulture is diverse, with a robust production of fruits, vegetables, spices, floriculture, tuber crops, medicinal and aromatic plants, and more. - What is the mission of integrated development of horticulture?
The mission aims to expand the area under high-value horticulture, improve production and productivity, and ensure the availability of quality planting material and efficient water use. - What crops and activities are covered under this mission?
The mission covers fruits, vegetables, spices, floriculture, potato, onion, medicinal & aromatic plants, mushroom cultivation, and preservation/processing, as well as activities like beekeeping, food processing, micro-irrigation, and post-harvest management. - Which high-value crops are gaining popularity?
Crops such as strawberry, passion fruit, and apple ber are becoming increasingly popular due to their high returns. - How does the mission support farmers?
Through subsidies, enhanced quality germplasm, better planting materials, and improved water use efficiency via micro-irrigation, the mission boosts production and farmer income. - What are the eligibility criteria for applying to special components under this mission?
Applicants should have a Degree/Diploma in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering with at least 2 years’ relevant experience, a minimum academic score of 55% or 5.5/10 CGPA, and basic computer skills. - Which ministry oversees horticulture in Assam?
The Horticulture & FP Department, Assam is responsible for the integrated development of horticulture in the state. - How do I apply for special components like cold storage or retail outlet facilities?
For these components, applications can be submitted online via the designated portal. For regular horticulture development initiatives, contact the District Agriculture office.