“Navigating the Government Connect: Unlock Grants, Subsidies, Policy Alignment & Zero-Cost Growth Opportunities”
Budget 2025-26: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE; DEMAND NO. 1; Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare…
28. National Horticulture Board :..The National Horticulture Board (NHB) is an Autonomous organization under the administrative control of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare . The objectives of the Board are to develop production clusters/hubs for integrated Hi-tech commercial horticulture, development of Post- harvest and cold chain infrastructure, ensuring availability of quality planting material and to promote adoption of new technologies/tools/ techniques for Hi-tech commercial horticulture etc.
Scheme Overview:
Autonomous body driving:
• Cluster-based hi-tech horticulture (50+ clusters by 2026)
• Post-harvest infrastructure (Target: Reduce losses from 30% to <12%)
• Quality planting material (Certification of 1,000 nurseries)
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Part 1: Key Focus Areas (2025-26)
Parameter Detail
Financial Outlay ₹1,200 crore (estimated)
Priority Sectors
✓ Fruits: Mango, Banana, Apple
✓ Vegetables: Onion, Tomato, Potato
✓ Flowers: Rose, Marigold, Orchids
Subsidy Range 35-50% of project cost (Cap: ₹50 lakh-₹5 crore)
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Part 2: Startup Opportunities – From Seed to Shelf
1. Precision Horticulture Tech
Solutions Needed:
• AI-powered micro-irrigation (40% water saving)
• Drone-based pollination for protected cultivation
NHB Support:
• 50% subsidy on tech trials in NHB model farms
2. Smart Cold Chain Solutions
Innovations:
• Solar-powered nano-cold stores (₹5 lakh/unit)
• Ethylene scrubbers for shelf-life extension
Funding:
• 40% capital subsidy under NHB’s Infrastructure Scheme
3. Disease-Resistant Planting Material
Breakthroughs:
• Tissue-cultured virus-free saplings
• CRISPR-edited dwarf varieties
Commercialization:
• Fast-track listing on NHB’s Quality Mark portal
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Part 3: Founder’s Action Plan
Phase 1: Cluster Integration (0-6 Months)
1. Apply for NHB’s Cluster Development Program
2. Access 10,000 farmer database for pilot testing
Phase 2: Infrastructure Development (6-18 Months)
• Avail subsidies for:
o Packhouses (50% up to ₹50 lakh)
o Pre-cooling units (35% up to ₹25 lakh)
Phase 3: Market Linkage (18+ Months)
• Leverage NHB’s MoUs with Reliance Fresh/Walmart
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Part 4: Financial Models
1. Hi-Tech Polyhouse (1 acre)
Investment ₹75 lakh NHB Grant ₹37.5 lakh
Annual Revenue ₹1.8 crore ROI 3 seasons
2. Cold Chain Unit (5MT/day)
Cost ₹1.2 crore Employment 12 jobs
NHB Support ₹48 lakh Breakeven 18 months
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Part 5: Risk Mitigation
Risk NHB’s Safety Net
Yield Fluctuations NHB’s price stabilization fund
Tech Adoption Dedicated farmer training subsidy
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Pro Tip: Target NHB’s “Per Drop More Crop” scheme for additional 55% subsidy on micro-irrigation.
