Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
60 : 40
GoI : State Share (90:10 for NE & Himalayan States; 100% GoI for NHB, CDB, CIH & UTs without legislature)
Six
Sub-Schemes — NHM · HMNEH · NBM · NHB · CDB · CIH
₹30 Lakh
Project Cost Below Which Credit Linkage Is Optional
35% – 50%
Credit-Linked Back-Ended Subsidy On Post Harvest & Cold Chain
What the Mission Is
Edition: This page reproduces the MIDH Operational Guidelines 2025, circulated under D.O. No. M-14011/5/2024-MIDH dated 31st December 2024 by the Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, to all State Principal Secretaries / Secretaries (Horticulture / Agriculture). All figures below are drawn strictly from that document. States were directed to prepare the Annual Action Plan of MIDH under the Krishonnati Yojana for FY 2025-26 as per these revised guidelines.
MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector, covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, medicinal & aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, bamboo and other horticulture crops. It also provides technical advice and administrative support to State Governments and State Horticulture Missions for horticulture activities funded under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
Funding Pattern
| Category | GoI Share | State Share |
|---|---|---|
| All States except North East and Himalayan Region | 60% | 40% |
| North Eastern and Himalayan States | 90% | 10% |
| NHB, CDB, CIH, Nagaland National Level Agencies and UTs without legislature | 100% | — |
The Six Sub-Schemes and Their Area of Operation
| Sub-Scheme | Target Group / Area of Operation |
|---|---|
| NHM — National Horticulture Mission | All States & UTs except States in NE and Himalayan Region, covering all districts. |
| HMNEH — Horticulture Mission for NE & Himalayan States | All States in NE and Himalayan Region, covering all districts. |
| NBM — National Bamboo Mission | All States and UTs. |
| NHB — National Horticulture Board | All States & UTs, focusing on commercial horticulture. |
| CDB — Coconut Development Board | All States and UTs. |
| CIH — Central Institute for Horticulture | NE States, focusing on HRD and capacity building. |
Mission Objectives
- •Promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector, including bamboo and coconut, through area-based regionally differentiated strategies covering research, technology promotion, extension, post harvest management, processing and marketing.
- •Encourage farmers to take up activities in a cluster approach.
- •Enhance horticulture production, augment farmers' income and strengthen nutritional security.
- •Improve productivity through quality germplasm, planting material and water use efficiency via Micro Irrigation.
- •Support skill development and employment generation for rural youth in horticulture and post harvest management, especially in the cold chain sector.
- •Enhance production of high value horticulture crops to reduce import dependence.
Higher subsidy areas: Throughout these guidelines, a higher rate of assistance is built in for beneficiaries in North Eastern & Himalayan States, TSP areas, vibrant villages, hilly and scheduled areas, and the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Vibrant villages are the border villages in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs; TSP areas are those notified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Scheduled Areas are those notified by the Planning Commission and State Governments. All other States — including Rajasthan and Haryana — fall in the "general areas" slab, i.e. the 40% / 35% rates, not the 50% / 55% rates.
Who Directs, Approves, Implements and Monitors
National Level
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| General Council (GC) | Apex body under the chairmanship of the Union Agriculture Minister, with the Joint Secretary (DA&FW) & Mission Director as Member Secretary. Gives overall direction and guidance, monitors progress, and is empowered to lay down and amend operational guidelines including cost norms and to add or delete any crop or component. Meets at least once a year; tenure of non-official members is three years. |
| Executive Committee (EC) | Headed by the Secretary (Agriculture & FW). Oversees mission activities, approves projects on the basis of approved subsidy norms, and approves special interventions for emergent or unforeseen requirements. Includes three non-official experts in Production, Post Harvest Management and Marketing (three-year tenure). |
| Empowered Monitoring Committee (EMC) | Constituted by the EC at central level, with delegated powers to approve projects of Centres of Excellence and National Level Agencies in accordance with approved cost norms and pattern of assistance. |
State Level
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) | Under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, with representatives from Forests, SAUs, ICAR institutes, FPOs etc. Approves the Annual Action Plan of MIDH for NHM, HMNEH and NBM and oversees implementation. |
| State Level Executive Committee (SLEC) | Under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary (Horticulture) / APC / ACS, with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, NCCD, State Agriculture, Finance and the banking sector. State Mission Director (NHM / HMNEH / NBM) is Member Secretary. |
| SHM / SBDA | States are free to establish a State Horticulture Mission and/or State Bamboo Development Authority as the implementing agency at State and District levels. Functions include preparing the strategic and annual plans, running a fair transparent beneficiary application system, receiving and releasing funds, maintaining an SNA account, and submitting utilisation certificates. |
District Level & Below
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| District Mission Committee (DMC) | Headed by the District Collector / DM / CEO Zila Parishad / CEO DRDA / CEO FDA / District Development Officer, with line departments, marketing boards, local banks, SHGs and NGOs as members. Responsible for project formulation, implementation, monitoring, identification of the horticulture zone or cluster, and an online transparent beneficiary selection system. |
| Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) | Identify crops/species and beneficiaries in consultation with District Panchayats, carry out training, extension and awareness through Panchayats and Gram Sabhas, and provide feedback on implementation. Activity mapping for devolution of funds, functions and functionaries is at Annexure I. |
Technical Support Group (TSG)
The TSG is operated through NHB and provides domain expertise for NHM, HMNEH and NBM. For post harvest management and cold chain projects across States, technical support is provided by NCCD. The Horticulture Commissioner / DDG (Hort.) advises the TSGs on planting material, area expansion, rejuvenation, canopy management, INM/IPM and organic farming. States may set up State-level TSGs on the same pattern; for NBM, zone-wise Bamboo Technical Support Groups (BTSG) are formed.
| TSG Level | Position | Number | Honorarium (₹ p.m.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | Chief Consultant | 5 | 1,20,000 |
| National | Consultant | 8 | 80,000 or ₹3,000 per day, need based |
| National | Resource Person | 6 | 50,000 |
| National | Senior Programmer | 6 | 65,000 |
| State | State Horticulture Consultant | As per State requirement, within an overall ceiling of ₹50.00 lakh | 80,000 |
| State | Horticulture Assistant | As per State requirement, within an overall ceiling of ₹50.00 lakh | 40,000 |
| State | Programmer | As per State requirement, within an overall ceiling of ₹50.00 lakh | 50,000 |
| District | District Horticulture Consultant | As per State requirement, met from State TSG within ₹50.00 lakh per annum | 40,000 |
| District | Field Consultant | As per State requirement, met from State TSG within ₹50.00 lakh per annum | 30,000 |
Data Entry Operators and MTS are engaged as per prevalent Government norms, and in no case below the minimum wages notified by the Delhi Government / Labour Department / State Government.
MIDH SURAKSHA portal: The ICT-enabled MIS runs to grass-root level through the MIDH SURAKSHA Portal. States with their own MIS portal must integrate it with MIDH SURAKSHA within six months, furnish monthly progress reports to DAC and upload the same on the portal by the 5th of each month. The flow of funds must be mapped on, and captured at all times in, MIDH SURAKSHA.
From Strategy and Road Map to Sanctioned Project
The Annual Planning Cycle
- 1Perspective / strategic plan & road map: State TSG, with the Agriculture University / SAU / ICAR, develops a crop-specific prospective plan. The Strategy & Road Map must contain geography & climate, potential of horticulture / bamboo development, land availability, SWOT analysis, and a district-wise plan of action for the Finance Commission period.
- 2Tentative outlay communicated: Ministry of Agriculture & FW communicates the tentative outlay for the year to each State / NLA, which in turn indicates sector-wise and district-wise allocation.
- 3District Annual Action Plan: District-level agencies prepare the AAP keeping in view mission and local priority and submit it to the State Horticulture / Bamboo Mission up to 125% of the tentative allocation, within the allocated sum.
- 4Consolidation & SLSC vetting: The State Horticulture / Bamboo Mission prepares a consolidated proposal for the State, gets it vetted by the SLSC, and furnishes it (including an electronic copy) to the Ministry of Agriculture for consideration at the level of Secretary (A&FW).
- 5Part of the Krishonnati Yojana AAP: The MIDH AAP is essentially a part of the Krishonnati Yojana (KY) Annual Action Plan and must ensure convergence with other GoI schemes. Formats are at Annexure IV(a) for NHM/HMNEH and Annexure IV(b) for NBM.
Suggestive Composition of the Annual Action Plan
| Activity | Percentage of AAP |
|---|---|
| Nursery & planting material | 5 – 10% |
| Area expansion | 15 – 20% |
| Protected cultivation | 15 – 20% |
| Post harvest management | 25 – 30% |
While finalising AAPs, specific targets must be earmarked for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, women beneficiaries and beneficiaries of vibrant villages, and for FIGs, FPOs, SHGs and Cooperatives, which are themselves eligible to avail assistance under various components.
Fund Flow
Funds are released to Implementing Agencies — State Governments, UTs and NLAs — as per extant financial rules and Ministry of Finance instructions. Implementing agencies arrange transfer of funds to beneficiaries by electronic transfer, preferably to their bank accounts through DBT. Activities must be undertaken within funds released by GoI and the corresponding State share; no claims of pending liabilities over and above released funds will be entertained by DA&FW.
Delegation of Powers — A. Executive Committee (EC)
| Component / Category of Items | Total Project Cost (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|
| Marketing infrastructure | Above 1500.00 |
| Special interventions | Above 100.00 |
| Mission management / TSG, database, survey, FPO | Above 300.00 |
| Other components not covered above | Project based |
Delegation of Powers — B. Empowered Monitoring Committee (EMC)
| Component / Category of Items | Total Project Cost (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|
| Planting material infrastructure (hi-tech nursery, TC unit, seed infrastructure, import of planting material) | Above 25.00 up to 250.00 |
| Organic farming, certification & GAP | Above 200.00 |
| INM / IPM infrastructure | Above 500.00 |
| Post harvest management infrastructure including cold chain supply system, processing, and projects related to reefer transport, ripening and add-on technology components | Above 500.00 |
| Marketing infrastructure | Above 500.00 up to 1500.00 |
| Centre of Excellence | Up to 1000.00 |
| Special interventions | Up to 100.00 |
| Need-based projects (seminars, workshops, exhibitions, training & study tours abroad) | Above 50.00 per project |
| Mission management / TSG, database, survey, FPO | Up to 300.00, subject to EC ratification |
Delegation of Powers — C. Mission Director (MIDH)
| Component / Category of Items | Total Project Cost (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|
| If costs are as per norms specified in Annexure V / VI | Up to 10.00 |
Delegation of Powers — D. State Level Sanctioning Committee
| Component / Category of Items | Total Project Cost (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|
| R & D projects | Up to 100.00 |
| Planting material infrastructure (hi-tech nursery, TC unit, seed infrastructure) | Up to 25.00 |
| Mushroom | Up to 20.00 |
| Protected cultivation | Up to 70.00 |
| Organic farming, certification & GAP | Up to 200.00 |
| INM / IPM infrastructure | Up to 500.00 |
| Horticulture mechanization | Up to 7.00 |
| HRD | Up to 20.00 |
| Demonstration | Up to 25.00 |
| Post harvest management infrastructure including cold chain supply system and processing, excluding reefer transport, ripening and add-on technology components | Up to 500.00 |
| Marketing | Up to 500.00 |
| Need-based projects (seminars, workshops, exhibitions) | Up to 50.00 per project |
Delegation of Powers — E. State Mission Director, SHM / HMNEH / NBM
| Component / Category of Items | Total Project Cost (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|
| If costs are as per MIDH norms | Up to 5.00 |
Projects of NHB and CDB are approved by the respective Committees of those Boards. Decisions of the EMC on projects costing more than ₹500.00 lakh are placed before the EC for ratification. Further delegation of powers requires GC approval.
Nurseries, Tissue Culture, Seed and Area Expansion (Annexure V, Parts A & B)
Reading the tables: "Cost norms" means the upper limit of cost for calculation of subsidy, not the sanctioned amount. Unless stated otherwise, the higher rate in each row applies to NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, and the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands; the lower rate applies to general areas. Area expansion is capped at 2 ha per beneficiary and is released in two instalments in the ratio 60:40, the second subject to an 80% survival rate in the second year.
A · Research
₹100.00 lakh per project, with 100% assistance, to ICAR / CSIR institutes, SAUs, National Level Government Agencies and other location-specific institutes for applied research in seed & planting material, technology standardisation, technology acquisition, and training and front line demonstration on project mode.
B.1 · Production of Planting Material
| Item | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Large nursery (1 to 2 ha) | Up to ₹30 lakh / ha | 100% to public sector, 40% to private sector, pro-rata. Minimum 1,00,000 plants per ha per year. Lower area limit 0.5 ha in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. Accreditation mandatory within 18 months of release of last instalment. |
| Small nursery (0.4 to 1 ha) | ₹20 lakh / ha | 100% public, 50% private, pro-rata. Minimum 50,000 plants per ha per year. Lower area limit 0.4 ha in the higher-assistance areas. Accreditation mandatory within 18 months. |
| Upgrading nursery infrastructure to meet accreditation norms (up to 2 ha) | Need based, up to ₹4.00 lakh / ha | 100% public, 50% private, pro-rata. Covers hot bed sterilization of media, working shed, virus indexing (citrus & apple), hardening chamber / net house, mist chamber, mother block, irrigation and fertigation. |
| New Tissue Culture unit | Project based up to ₹250 lakh for 25 lakh plants capacity, pro-rata for minimum 10 lakh plants | 100% public; private sector credit-linked back-ended assistance @ 40%. Accreditation of each TC lab mandatory within 18 months of receipt of last instalment; DBT accreditation within eighteen months, failing which assistance must be returned. |
| Hi-tech plug type nursery under controlled conditions with automated tray seeder (New) | Project based, 0.2 to 1 ha @ ₹1,200 per sq.m, pro-rata | 100% public; private sector credit-linked back-ended assistance @ 50%. Minimum 80,000 plugs (4 cycles of 20,000) per 100 sq.m per year. |
| Seed production — open pollinated crops (1 to 2 ha) | ₹50,000 / ha | 100% public; private sector 35% general areas, 50% in higher-assistance areas. Lower limit 0.5 ha for vibrant villages. |
| Seed production — hybrid seeds (1 to 2 ha) | ₹1.80 lakh / ha | 100% public; private sector 35% general areas, 50% in higher-assistance areas. |
| Import of planting material, mother block for mass multiplication | Project based up to ₹150 lakh / year | 100% to State Govt. / public sector; credit-linked subsidy @ 50% for FPOs, FIGs, SHGs and Cooperatives. |
| Production of quality seed & planting material including handling, processing, packing & storage | Project based up to ₹300 lakh / year | 100% to State Govt. / public sector; private sector credit-linked subsidy @ 50%, including FPOs, FIGs, SHGs and Cooperatives. |
Mandatory sourcing: Planting material for MIDH must be procured only from NHB accredited nurseries, and the AAP may set an area expansion target only up to the level of availability of good quality planting material from accredited nurseries. Planting material of seed origin for fruit crops that can be vegetatively propagated does not qualify for subsidy.
B.2 · Establishment of New Gardens — Fruits (Maximum 2 Ha Per Beneficiary)
| Crop Group | Cost Norm (Without Drip) | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry | ₹2.00 lakh / ha | 40% general areas / 50% NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Dragon fruit with support system (New crop) | ₹6.75 lakh / ha | 40% general areas / 50% NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Passion fruit with support system | ₹2.75 lakh / ha | 40% general areas / 50% NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Kiwi with support system | ₹2.50 lakh / ha | 40% general areas / 50% NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Grape, including support system | ₹3.00 lakh / ha | 40% general areas / 50% NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Datepalm (tissue culture) (New crop) | ₹4.00 lakh / ha | 40% general areas / 50% NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Banana — by suckers | ₹1.10 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Banana / pineapple — by tissue culture (certified TC planting material) | ₹1.75 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Avocado, Rambutan, Persimmon, Durian, Apricot, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Blueberry, Fig, Mangosteen etc. | ₹1.25 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Papaya, Phalsa, Sapota, Tamarind, Jamun, Bael, Karonda, Ber, Jackfruit, Khirni, Custard apple, Amla, Seabuckthorn, Garcinia, Hanuman phal (Soursop), Carobmola etc. | ₹75,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| New orchards of Apple, Mango, Guava, Litchi, Pomegranate, Citrus etc. — regular spacing | ₹1.25 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| High density (other than apple) | ₹2.00 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| High density for Apple with support system (minimum 2,222 plants per ha) | ₹5.00 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Ultra high density (other than apple) (New) | ₹3.00 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Ultra high density for Apple with support system (minimum 3,333 plants per ha) (New) | ₹7.50 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Cashew & Cocoa — regular spacing | ₹75,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Cashew & Cocoa — with intercropping | ₹50,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Cashew — high density (minimum 400 plants per hectare) | ₹1.50 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| Almond ₹3.00 lakh/ha · Walnut ₹4.00 lakh/ha | As shown | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
Where drip irrigation is integrated, assistance for the drip system is available in addition to the basic cost norm above, as per PDMC norms, to all States. Where drip is not proposed under MIDH, the component must be converged with another scheme.
B.2 · Vegetables, Mushroom, Flowers, Spices and Medicinal Plants (Maximum 2 Ha Per Beneficiary)
| Item | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid vegetables — tomato, sweet potato, alocasia, bottle gourd, squash, zucchini, bitter gourd, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, drumstick, brussels sprouts, French beans, fabia beans, peas green, brinjal, capsicum, okra, melons, cucumber, green chilies, carrot, beet root, turnip, radish, knol kohl, kale, leafy vegetables etc. | ₹60,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, single instalment. 80% of maximum cost in vibrant villages. |
| Onion and Garlic, open pollinated (New) | ₹50,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, single instalment. 80% in vibrant villages. |
| Mushroom — production unit | ₹30 lakh / unit | 100% to public sector; 40% to private sector as credit-linked back-ended subsidy (50% in higher-assistance areas) |
| Mushroom — spawn making unit | ₹20 lakh / unit | 100% to public sector; 40% to private sector as credit-linked back-ended subsidy (50% in higher-assistance areas) |
| Mushroom — compost making unit | ₹30 lakh / unit | 100% to public sector; 40% to private sector as credit-linked back-ended subsidy (50% in higher-assistance areas) |
| Low cost / small scale mushroom production unit (New) | ₹2.00 lakh per unit for a 200 sq.ft structure | 50% per unit, maximum 5 units per beneficiary |
| Cut flowers | ₹1.25 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Bulbous & rhizomatic flowers (gladiolus, lily, daisy, gerbera, tuberose, saffron etc.) | ₹2.50 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Loose flowers (rose, chrysanthemum, tuberose, jasmine, crossandra, marigold, gailardia, lotus, neerium, hybiscus, barleria etc.) | ₹50,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Seed spices (ajwain, aniseed, caraway, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, poppy, black cumin etc.) | ₹50,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Rhizomatic & bulbous spices (ginger, turmeric, garlic) | ₹1.00 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Perennial spices (black pepper, cinnamon, cassia, clove, nutmeg, kokum, cambodge, tamarind, vanilla, cardamom, allspice, curry leaf, star anise, bay leaf etc.) | ₹1.00 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Cost intensive aromatic plants (rose, rosemary, tuberose, geranium, chamomile, sandalwood, davana, jasmine, lavender etc.) | ₹1.25 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Other aromatic plants (palmarosa, lemongrass, tulsi, vetiver, java citronella, sweet basil) | ₹50,000 / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
| Medicinal plants (mulethi, shatavari, kalihari, shwet musali, guggle, manjishtha, kutki, atees, jatamansi, ashwagandha, brahmi, tulsi, vidarikand, pippali, chirata, pushkarmool etc.) | ₹1.50 lakh / ha | 40% general / 50% higher-assistance areas, 2 instalments 60:40 |
B.3 · Rejuvenation / Replacement of Senile Plantation, Canopy Management
| Item | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of dead / dying / old plants | ₹10,000 / ha | 40% general areas, 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep — for an area up to 2 ha, pro-rata |
| Top-working and gap filling with new plant | ₹10,000 / ha | 40% general areas, 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep — for an area up to 2 ha, pro-rata |
| Cost of input towards nutrient management, pest management and irrigation | ₹40,000 / ha | 40% general areas, 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep — for an area up to 2 ha, pro-rata |
Assistance is available only for rejuvenating or replanting senile and unproductive plantations through proven technologies. Uneconomical orchards of seedling origin are considered for replanting with improved varieties.
Protected Cultivation, Water Resources & Farm Technology (Annexure V, Parts B.4 to B.14)
B.4 · Creation of Water Resources
| Item | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Community water harvesting — on-farm community tank, pond or reservoir with plastic / RCC lining | ₹24.00 lakh per unit @ ₹80 per cubic metre in general areas; ₹30 lakh per unit @ ₹100 per cubic metre in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, A&N and Lakshadweep — maximum capacity 30,000 cubic metres | 75% to irrigate 10 ha of command area for a storage capacity of 30,000 cubic metres, and pro-rata for smaller capacity, with minimum 500-micron plastic film or RCC / HDPE lining, owned and managed by a community or farmer group. Cost for non-lined ponds / tanks (only in black cotton soils) is 30% less. For non-MGNREGA beneficiaries, assistance on the entire cost including construction can be availed. |
| Individual water harvesting structure — on-farm ponds / tanks with plastic / RCC lining | As per PDMC norms | As per PDMC norms |
| Construction of tube-well / bore well (New) | As per PDMC norms | As per PDMC norms. Considered only in integration with other components. |
| Flexible water storage tank (New) | ₹0.8 per litre for a capacity up to 10,000 litres | 50% on pro-rata basis up to a maximum capacity of 50,000 litres per beneficiary — only in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. Considered only in integration with other components. |
B.5 · Protected Cultivation — Structures
All rates below are 15% higher in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, and the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. For availing subsidy, all material and technologies must conform to BIS standards. The cost is inclusive of irrigation systems.
| Structure | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Poly house / hybrid — fan & pad system | ₹1,800/sq.m up to 500 sq.m; ₹1,600/sq.m for >500 up to 1,008 sq.m; ₹1,500/sq.m for >1,008 up to 2,500 sq.m | 50% for a maximum area of 2,500 sq.m per beneficiary, pro-rata for smaller areas |
| Poly house — naturally ventilated, tubular / rectangular structure | ₹1,200/sq.m up to 500 sq.m; ₹1,050/sq.m for >500 up to 1,008 sq.m; ₹1,000/sq.m for >1,008 up to 2,500 sq.m | 50% for a maximum area of 2,500 sq.m |
| Poly house — naturally ventilated, bamboo / cable purlin structure | ₹450 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m. Bamboo structures limited to 20 units per beneficiary, each not exceeding 200 sq.m |
| Shade net / agro textile — tubular / rectangular structure | ₹710 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m |
| Shade net / agro textile — bamboo / cable purlin structure | ₹450 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m; bamboo limited to 20 units, each ≤ 200 sq.m |
| Plastic / non-woven cloth tunnels | ₹80 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m |
| Walk-in tunnels | ₹720 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 3 units, each not exceeding 800 sq.m |
| Anti bird / anti hail nets | ₹50 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 10,000 sq.m |
| High value fruits and vegetables grown in poly house / net house — capsicum, cucumber, muskmelon, tomato, broccoli, parsley, celery and other crops approved by research institutions | ₹150 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m |
| Orchid (net house) and Anthurium (poly house) | ₹700 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m |
| Carnation & Gerbera in poly houses | ₹600 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m |
| Rose, Chrysanthemum and Lilium in poly houses | ₹450 / sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 2,500 sq.m |
| Mulching — plastic / jute / agro textile / other biodegradable material | ₹40,000 / ha | 50% subject to a maximum of 2 ha per beneficiary |
B.5(11) · Add-On Components (New in 2025)
| Add-On Component | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroponics and aeroponics | ₹350 per sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 1,000 sq.m per beneficiary |
| Circulation fans (poly house only) | ₹5,000 per fan | 50% for a maximum of 6 fans for 2,500 sq.m per beneficiary |
| Sensor based automation system for fertigation | ₹4.00 lakh / unit | 50% per unit per beneficiary, for a minimum area of 2,500 sq.m under protected cultivation |
| Support system for vegetable crops | ₹0.20 lakh / ha | 50% for all farmers, maximum 2 ha per beneficiary |
| Permanent support structures for anti hail / anti bird nets | ₹20 per sq.m of covered area | 50% for a maximum area of 2 ha per beneficiary |
| Fencing — 4 running lines with iron poles at 10 feet spacing (considered only in integration with other MIDH components) | ₹300 per running metre | 50% subject to a maximum of 1,000 running metres per beneficiary |
| Fruit / bunch cover — paper, non-woven cover, paper bags etc. | ₹0.50 lakh / ha | 50% for maximum 2 ha per beneficiary |
| Weed mat | ₹50 per sq.m | 50% for a maximum of 4,000 sq.m per beneficiary |
B.6 – B.14 · Nutrient Management, Organic, GAP, Mechanization and HRD
| Component | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| B.6 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) | Project based | 100% to PFDCs. Proposals approved after technical vetting by the Horticulture Division; PFDCs are anchored in SAUs, ICAR institutes and IIT Kharagpur. |
| B.7 Promotion of INM / IPM | ₹5,000 / ha | 30% for an area up to 2 ha per beneficiary. Subsidy is available for liquid bio-fertilizers of N, P and K — Rhizobium / Azospirillum / Azotobactor, PSB and KMB — applied in combination. |
| B.7 Plant Health Clinics | ₹25.00 lakh / unit | 100% to public sector, 50% to private sector. |
| B.8 Adoption of organic farming & organic certification | As per PKVY norms | As per PKVY norms for an area up to 2 ha per beneficiary, over and above the area expansion programme, spread over three years. Certification by agencies accredited by APEDA / NCONF. |
| B.8 Vermi compost units / organic input production | ₹1,00,000 per unit for permanent structure; ₹16,000 per unit for HDPE vermibed | 50%, conforming to a permanent structure of 30' × 8' × 2.5'; for HDPE vermibed, 50% conforming to 96 cft (12' × 4' × 2') and IS 15907:2010. |
| B.9 Adoption & certification for GAP / Bharat GAP (New) | ₹20,000 / ha | 50% subject to a maximum of 2 ha per beneficiary. NHB is the nodal implementing agency for the Bharat GAP Certification System. |
| B.10 Centre of Excellence for horticulture crops | ₹1,500.00 lakh per centre | 100% to public sector; may be established in technical collaboration under bilateral co-operation. |
| B.11 Pollination support through beekeeping | Nucleus stock (public sector) ₹20.00 lakh; Bee colonies by breeder ₹10.00 lakh; Bee hives / boxes of 8 frames with colonies ₹4,000/unit; Bee hive ₹2,000 per hive; Equipment set ₹20,000/set | 100% for nucleus stock; 40% for producing a minimum of 2,000 colonies per year; 40% limited to 50 colonies per beneficiary for hives and boxes; 40% limited to one equipment set per beneficiary. |
| B.12 Horticulture mechanization — tractors up to 20 PTO HP, power tillers, plant protection equipment | As per SMAM norms | As per SMAM norms. Standalone machinery / equipment is not permissible. Also available to farmer groups, SHGs and women farmer groups having at least 10 members, provided the balance 60% of cost is borne by the group and an MoU is executed with the SHM. |
| B.12 Import of new machines & tools for demonstration | Up to ₹100.00 lakh per unit | 100% only to public sector; 50% for private sector for farmer groups / FPOs / FIGs. |
| B.13 Technology dissemination through demonstration / front line demonstration | ₹25.00 lakh | 75% in farmers' fields (compact area of one ha; 500 sq.m for green house cultivation); 100% in farms belonging to public sector, ICAR, SAUs and deemed universities, maximum ₹25 lakh per project. |
| B.14 HRD for gardeners | ₹15.00 lakh / unit | 100% of the cost. Courses run one year for supervisors, six months for gardeners and three months for entrepreneurs; at least 25 supervisors, 50 gardeners and 25 entrepreneurs are to be trained per participating institution annually. |
| B.14 Training / exposure visit of farmers | Within State ₹1,000 per day per farmer including transport; Outside State project based as per actuals; Outside India up to ₹1.5 lakh per participant | 100% of prescribed norms — maximum 5 days within State, 7 days including journey time outside State. For foreign travel, 100% of economic air / rail travel; course fee funded under Mission Management, considered by MIDH Division, DA&FW only. |
| B.14 Training / study tour of officers, technical staff and field functionaries | Within State ₹300 per day per participant plus TA/DA; Study tour outside State ₹1,000 per day per participant plus TA/DA (minimum group of 5); Outside India up to ₹1.50 lakh per participant | 100% of prescribed cost norms; foreign travel project based at 100% of economic air / rail travel. |
Integrated Post Harvest Management & Cold Chain (Annexure V, Part C)
MIDH covers pre-cooling units, on-farm pack houses, mobile pre-cooling units, staging cold rooms, cold storage units with and without controlled atmosphere, integrated cold chain systems, refrigerated vans and containers, primary / mobile processing units, ripening chambers, preservation units, onion storage units, small scale single product grading and packing lines, solar crop dryer cum space heating systems and integrated supply chain projects. These projects are entrepreneur driven and provided credit-linked back-ended subsidy — this is the largest single block of the Annual Action Plan (25–30%).
Who is eligible: Individuals, groups of farmers or consumers, partnership and proprietary firms, SHGs, FPOs, companies, corporations, cooperatives, cooperative marketing federations, local bodies, APMCs, marketing boards and State Governments. PSUs, government agencies, cooperatives, farmers' groups, FPOs and SHGs recognised or registered by the DMCs having at least 25 members may avail back-ended subsidy without credit linkage, provided they can meet their share of the project cost. Subsidy also need not be credit linked for public sector units, panchayats, cooperatives, registered societies / trusts and public limited companies meeting the balance from own resources.
Capacity Conversion Norms (Para 7.48)
| Application | Chamber Volume Equivalent to One MT of Storage Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cold storage — positive temperature (above 0°C) and negative temperature (below 0°C) | 3.4 cubic metres (CUM) or 120 cubic feet (CFT) |
| Ripening chambers | 11 CUM |
| Apple storage | 4.5 CUM |
| Refrigerated transport | 3 CUM (106 cubic feet) |
| Frozen chambers, short term and long term (−15°C to −45°C) | 3.4 CUM or 120 CFT |
Assistance for new cold storage infrastructure is available only to multiple chamber cold storage units with energy efficient technologies approved by the Government of India. Insulation of 60 mm to 200 mm with insulated panels, floor insulation, insulated doors, cooling and refrigeration technology, firefighting, electrical and building automation is covered; cold storage with PUF panel insulation is given preference.
Pack Houses, Pre-Cooling and Cold Rooms
| Component | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| C.1 Farm gate pack house with movable handling trolley, sorting table and farm gate standalone cold storage | Up to ₹25.00 lakh / unit, size 9 m × 6 m | 50% admissible |
| C.2 Integrated pack house (18 m × 22 m) with conveyor belt sorting, grading, washing, drying, weighing scale, HPT, stacking crates, dock leveler system, pre-cooling if required, cold room transit and reefer van | Up to ₹160.00 lakh per beneficiary | Credit-linked back-ended 35% general areas / 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep |
| C.3 Collection aggregation centre (22 m × 26 m) with conveyor belt sorting, grading, washing, drying, weighing bridge, automated computerised system, HPT, BOPT, stacking crates, dock leveler, pre-cooling if required and cold room transit (New) | Up to ₹320.00 lakh per beneficiary | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.4 Pre-cooling unit | Up to ₹5.00 lakh / MT | Back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.5 Mobile pre-cooling unit | ₹30.00 lakh | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.6(i) Cold rooms (staging) | Up to ₹52.00 lakh | Back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.6(ii) Solar power cold room (New) | May be taken on standalone basis as proposed in C.1, C.2, C.3 and C.6 | Back-ended 35% / 50% |
Cold Storage — Types and Rates
Under the NHM / HMNEH sub-schemes, cold storages (long term storage and distribution hubs) are promoted up to 5,000 MT capacity. Capacity above 5,000 MT and up to 10,000 MT is promoted under the NHB sub-scheme.
| Type (Max 5,000 MT Capacity) | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| CS-1 — construction in civil, including PUF/PIR panels, doors and ante-rooms, refrigeration units, electrical installation, administrative block, fire safety and hazard control, basic mezzanine structure | ₹9,600 / MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% in general areas and 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep |
| CS-1 — construction in combination of civil & PEB | ₹12,000 / MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-1 add-ons — CO₂ scrubber, unified control system, material conveying / hoist system, automated computerised system, HPT, BOPT and dock leveller | Up to ₹50.00 lakh / project | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-1-Onion — civil / civil & PEB | ₹9,600/MT · ₹12,000/MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-1-Onion add-ons | Up to ₹278.00 lakh / project | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-2 — construction in combination of civil & PEB | ₹12,000 / MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-2 add-ons | Up to ₹49.00 lakh / project | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-4 — cold storage for dry spices & raisins (civil / civil & PEB), add-ons up to ₹31.00 lakh | ₹9,600/MT · ₹12,000/MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-2-CA — cold storage Type-II with controlled atmosphere | Additional ₹12,000 / MT for a maximum capacity of 5,000 MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| CS-2-CA — CA add-on (maximum subsidy for a CA store may not exceed ₹900 lakh including add-ons) | Up to ₹1,345 lakh per project | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.12 Technology induction / modernization of cold storage | Maximum ₹125 lakh but not more than ₹3,000/MT of cold store capacity for refrigeration; maximum ₹120 lakh but not more than ₹1,800/MT for insulation | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
NCCD compliance is mandatory: Every post harvest and cold chain component above carries the express condition that it has to be implemented in accordance with NCCD guidelines only. Detailed technical specifications of all cold storage components are in the NCCD guidelines, and revisions to technical standards and adherence protocols are updated by NCCD as improved technologies are approved.
Ripening, Storage, Transport and Integrated Projects
| Component | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| C.15 Ripening chamber (CS-3) — non-pressurised | ₹1.00 lakh / MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| C.15 Ripening chamber (CS-3) — pressurised | ₹1.20 lakh / MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| C.13 Refrigerated transport vehicles | ₹31.00 lakh for a maximum capacity of 14 MT, pro-rata for smaller capacity but not below 4 MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.14 Primary / minimal processing unit (considered only when integrated with other MIDH components) | ₹35.00 lakh / unit | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.16 Low-cost onion / garlic storage structure | ₹7,000/MT — slab-wise: 5–25 MT ₹10,000/MT; 25–500 MT ₹8,000/MT; 500–1,000 MT ₹6,000/MT | Back-ended 50% for units of 5 to 1,000 MT capacity, pro-rata, in all areas throughout the country. Assistance is credit linked if project cost exceeds ₹30.00 lakh. |
| C.17 Pusa zero energy cool chamber (100 kg) | ₹4,000 per unit | 50% of the total cost |
| C.18 Solar crop dryer with 24-hour backup (New) | ₹2.50 lakh / unit for 70 kg capacity; ₹3.50 lakh / unit for 100 kg capacity — maximum 5 units per beneficiary | 40% in general areas and 55% in NE & Himalayan States, TSP areas, hilly and scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep |
| C.19 Integrated cold chain project — must comprise a minimum of 5 components from C-2 to C-11 to qualify | Up to ₹1,000.00 lakh per project | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
| C.20 / C.21 Integrated supply chain project | Up to ₹2,000.00 lakh per project | Credit-linked back-ended 40% of eligible project cost in general areas and 55% in higher-assistance areas |
Marketing, Processing, Special Interventions & Mission Management (Annexure V, Parts D to G)
D · Establishment of Marketing Infrastructure
| Component | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| D.1 Rural markets / Apni mandis / direct markets | ₹25.00 lakh | Back-ended 40% of capital cost in general areas, 55% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep |
| D.2 Retail markets / outlets (environmentally controlled) | ₹20.00 lakh / unit | 35% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| D.3 Static / mobile vending cart or platform with cool chamber | ₹30,000 / unit | 50% of total cost |
| D.4 Modified retail reefer van with retail counter, loading capacity 3 MT (to be linked with an integrated pack house) | ₹20.00 lakh | 35% general / 50% higher-assistance areas |
| D.5 Quality control / analysis lab to check Maximum Residue Levels | ₹200.00 lakh | 100% to public sector; credit-linked back-ended 50% to private sector. May also be established in PPP mode. |
Assistance under this head is provided as credit-linked back-ended subsidy for setting up retail markets and outlets. For bamboo, assistance extends to Bamboo Bazaars, bamboo wholesale and retail markets near villages, and retail outlets as per Annexure VIII. Proposals for long distance transport solutions on project basis are supported under the NHB sub-scheme.
E · Food Processing
| Component | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| E.1 Food processing | ₹1,000.00 lakh / unit | Credit-linked back-ended capital investment assistance of 50% of cost in the NE and Himalaya States, i.e. J&K, Himachal and Uttarakhand |
| E.2 Secondary processing units for value addition | ₹100.00 lakh / unit | 35% in general areas and 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep |
Note the asymmetry: E.1 Food Processing (₹1,000 lakh / unit) is restricted to the NE and Himalayan States (J&K, Himachal and Uttarakhand) by the express terms of the pattern of assistance. For general-area clients, the relevant heads are E.2 Secondary Processing (₹100 lakh / unit @ 35%) and C.14 Primary / Minimal Processing (₹35 lakh / unit @ 35%, only in integration). Existing schemes of DMI, NCDC, Deptt. of AYUSH and MoFPI are to be leveraged to the extent possible.
F · Special Interventions
| Component | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| F.1 Innovative interventions not covered under any GoI scheme | 10% of outlay | 50% of cost as a project based activity |
| F.2 Tackling emergent / unforeseen requirement of SHMs | Up to ₹100.00 lakh | 50% of cost based on project proposal |
G · Mission Management
| Component | Cost Norm | Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| G.1 State & District mission offices and implementing agencies — administrative expenses, consultants, project preparation, computerization, contingency | 2.5% of total annual expenditure | 100% assistance |
| G.2 Institutional strengthening including hardware, software and hiring of vehicles | Need based | 100% assistance |
| G.3 Seminars, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, kisan mela, horticulture shows, honey festivals | International ₹7.50 lakh · National ₹5.00 lakh · State ₹3.00 lakh · District ₹2.00 lakh per event | 100% to public sector and 50% to private sector — international event of 3 days with physical participation from at least 5 countries; others 2 days, pro-rata |
| G.4 Information dissemination through publicity, printed literature and local advertisements | ₹1.00 lakh per district | 100% of cost |
| G.5 Technical Support Group at State level | Project based, ceiling ₹50.00 lakh per annum per State | 100% of cost, not exceeding the annual ceiling |
| G.6 Baseline survey and strengthening horticultural statistical database | Project based, maximum ₹200.00 lakh per State / UT | 100% of cost as a one-time grant for survey related activities |
| G.7 Technical Support Group at National level — experts, staff, studies, seminars, workshops, training, contingencies | 2.5% of BE per annum | 100% of cost |
| G.8 Technical collaboration with international agencies — FAO, World Bank, ADB, bilateral cooperation, international exposure visits and training of officials | Project based, on actual cost basis | 100% of cost |
NHB, CDB & NBM Sub-Scheme Norms (Annexure VI, VII & VIII — the Board-Run Windows)
National Horticulture Board — Annexure VI
NHB projects are approved by the Board's own committees, not by the SLSC. NHB houses the national level TSG and extends administrative and personnel support to NHM, HMNEH and NBM.
Scheme No. 01 — Development of Commercial Horticulture Through Production and Post Harvest Management (Integrated Projects)
| Scheme / Item | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial horticulture development in open field conditions, project mode | ₹100.00 lakh per project for projects covering area over 2 ha, on pro-rata basis | Credit-linked back-ended subsidy 40% of project cost in general areas and 50% for NER and Himalayan States, Scheduled Areas and the UTs of A&N, Lakshadweep, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Large scale hi-tech open field cultivation of identified high value crops — Apple, Walnut, Almond, Cashew nut, kiwi and date palm (New) | ₹200.00 lakh per project for projects covering area over 20 ha | Credit-linked back-ended subsidy 40% / 50% |
| Commercial horticulture development in protected conditions, project mode (area above 2,500 sq.m; lower limit 1,000 sq.m for NE States) | Project based as per MIDH cost norms including add-on components, pro-rata | Credit-linked subsidy 50% of eligible project cost, maximum subsidy up to ₹100 lakh per project |
| Hi-tech plug type nursery under controlled conditions, project mode | Project based as per MIDH cost norms, pro-rata | Credit-linked subsidy 50%, maximum ₹100 lakh per project |
| Integrated mushroom production unit in project mode | As per MIDH norms for a minimum installed capacity above 50 MT and up to 300 MT in controlled conditions | Credit-linked subsidy 40% general / 50% for NER, Himalayan States, Scheduled Areas and the named UTs |
| All post harvest management components (C1 to C6), secondary processing units, ripening chambers | As per MIDH cost norms | As per MIDH cost norms (35% / 50%) |
| Refrigerated transport vehicles of capacity 15 MT and above | Up to ₹80.00 lakh per project in general areas; up to ₹100.00 lakh per project in Northeast & Himalayan regions | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
Scheme No. 02 — Capital Investment Subsidy for Cold Storages (Above 5,000 MT and Up To 20,000 MT)
| Item | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| CS-1, CS-1-Onion, CS-2, CS-2-CA and CS-4 — construction in civil | ₹9,120/MT for 5,001–6,500 MT · ₹8,640/MT for 6,501–8,000 MT · ₹8,160/MT for 8,001–10,000 MT · ₹4,080/MT for 10,001–20,000 MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% in general areas and 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. Component to be implemented in accordance with NCCD guidelines only. |
| Same types — construction in combination of civil & PEB | ₹11,400/MT for 5,001–6,500 MT · ₹10,800/MT for 6,501–8,000 MT · ₹10,200/MT for 8,001–10,000 MT · ₹5,100/MT for 10,001–20,000 MT | Credit-linked back-ended 35% in general areas and 50% in NE & Himalayan States, Scheduled areas, vibrant villages, A&N and Lakshadweep. Component to be implemented in accordance with NCCD guidelines only. |
| CA add-on (maximum subsidy for a CA store may not exceed ₹900 lakh including add-ons) | Up to ₹1,375 lakh per project | Credit-linked back-ended 35% / 50% |
Scheme No. 03 — Development and Transfer of Technology
| Item | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Scion and root stock mother block for nursery purpose | Maximum up to ₹100.00 lakh/ha for an area from 1 to 5 ha, pro-rata, including virus indexing and tissue culture lab | No change from existing pattern |
| Accreditation and rating of horticulture nurseries | ₹1.00 lakh per nursery | By Central Nodal Agency |
| Import of new machines and tools for demonstration (public sector) | ₹50.00 lakh per machine | 100% of total cost, only through government agency |
| Development & transfer of technology · Long distance transport solution · Product promotion and market development through horti-fairs | ₹30.00 lakh per project · ₹2,000.00 lakh · ₹30.00 lakh per national project and ₹100.00 lakh for international | Project based / no change |
| Visits of government officials outside India | ₹6.00 lakh per participant | 100% of cost on actual basis |
| Organization / participation in seminar, symposia or workshop | ₹10.00 lakh international · ₹5.00 lakh national · ₹3.00 lakh State level · ₹50,000 district level | 50% of cost on actual basis for private agency; 100% for NHB's own events |
New Schemes / Initiatives Under NHB (New in 2025)
| Scheme | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme No. 05 — Cluster based Development of Horticulture (HCDP) to enhance global competitiveness | As per the guidelines of the Cluster Development Programme. A Central Sector Programme implemented through NHB, developing three verticals: pre-production and production; post-harvest management and value addition; and logistics, branding and marketing. |
| Scheme No. 06 — Clean Plant Programme (CPP) | As per the guidelines of the Clean Plant Programme. Implemented with Asian Development Bank funding support through NHB; develops Clean Plant Centres producing pathogen-free quality planting material with certification and traceability. |
| Scheme No. 07 — Bharat GAP | As per the guidelines of BHARAT GAP. A simplified GAP certification system covering product quality, produce safety, food safety and hygiene, workers safety and traceability, with NHB as nodal implementing agency. |
NHB Technology Add-On Norms for Integrated Commercial Horticulture Projects
Applicable only wherever MIDH cost norms are not available. Marked components fall within the overall cost ceiling; plastic mulching and GAP certification are over and above the ceiling.
| Item | Admissible Cost (Revised) |
|---|---|
| Cost of land (admissible only if purchased newly, not before one year from date of sanction of loan) | Actual or up to 10% of Eligible Project Cost excluding land and development, whichever is less, subject to maximum ₹60,000 per acre |
| Land development — levelling, digging of pits, fencing, gates | Actual or up to 15% of EPC excluding land and land development, whichever is less, subject to maximum ₹60,000 per acre |
| Cultivation expenses — planting material, labour, fertilizer, manures, pesticides | As per MIDH (NHM) cost norms on pro-rata basis |
| Drip system with internal pipeline | Actual or ₹24,000 per acre for plant density up to 200 plants; ₹30,000 per acre for density above 200 plants per acre |
| Irrigation infrastructure excluding micro irrigation | Actual or up to ₹60,000 per acre for open field cultivation; ₹4.80 lakh per project for protected cultivation. Tube-well up to ₹3.00 lakh per unit; water harvesting structure @ ₹100 per CuM with minimum 300 micron plastic film or RCC lining (non-lined 30% less); pipeline ₹150 per running metre from source, minimum 4" diameter |
| Civil infrastructure | Functional pack house ₹4.80 lakh per unit of 9 × 6 metre, pro-rata for lower size; labour quarter / storeroom ₹24,000 per acre, maximum ₹3.60 lakh |
| Vermi compost unit | ₹72,000 per unit for permanent structure; ₹12,000 for HDPE vermibed of 96 cft (12' × 4' × 2'), ISO 15907:2010 |
| Certification for Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) including infrastructure | ₹4,800 per acre |
| Support system for grapes — trellis, telephone, bawar etc., permanent structure of MS angles and stainless-steel wire | ₹1,80,000 per acre |
| Plastic mulching | ₹15,360 per acre; ₹17,675 per acre for hilly States |
| Bed preparation cost where soil replacement is required (protected cultivation only) | ₹120 per sq.m |
NHB protected cultivation ceilings (revised, ₹ lakh per acre, with add-on components in project mode): Anthurium & Orchid 80.00 · Rose, Lilium, Chrysanthemum 70.00 · Carnation & Gerbera 75.00 · Hi-value vegetable under poly house 55.00. Cost of poly house with drip & fogger system and cost of cultivation are now taken as per component-based cost norms of MIDH and NHB guidelines.
Coconut Development Board — Annexure VII
| Item | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Setting up new Demonstration cum Seed Production (DSP) farms | ₹30.00 lakh / farm | 100% to CDB |
| Maintenance of existing DSP farms with nurseries | Maximum ₹1.00 lakh per ha per year from the 3rd year onwards till yield stabilization (15 to 20 years) | 100% to CDB |
| Assistance for quality planting material production in public sector nurseries | ₹40.00 per seedling | 50% of cost |
| Distribution of hybrid / dwarf seedlings in Government or private sector | ₹36.00 per seedling | 25% of cost, for a maximum of 25,000 seedlings per acre |
| Establishment of nucleus coconut seed garden | ₹7.2 lakh per ha for a maximum of 4 ha | 25% of cost to a maximum of ₹20 lakh for 4 ha |
| Establishment of small coconut nursery | ₹90 per seedling (maximum) | 100% for public sector, 50% for private sector |
| Accreditation and rating of coconut nurseries | Maximum ₹1.50 lakh for a nursery of minimum 20,000 seedlings annual capacity | 100% of cost for public sector and for private sector |
| Expansion of area under coconut | ₹1.60 lakh / ha | 25% of cost for an area up to 4 ha per beneficiary, in 2 equal instalments |
| Productivity improvement through coconut based cropping system | ₹42,000 / ha | 40% subject to a maximum of 4 ha in general; 50% for higher cost norm areas as per MIDH norms |
| Replanting & rejuvenation — cutting and removing old / senile palms | ₹32,000 per ha | @ ₹1,000 per palm limited to 32 palms per ha |
| Replanting & rejuvenation — assistance for replanting including gap filling | ₹96 per seedling | 50% of cost subject to a maximum of ₹4,000 per ha |
| Improvement of existing coconut gardens through integrated management practices | ₹70,000 per ha | 25% of cost in two equal instalments |
| Technology Mission on Coconut — processing & product diversification, adoption of technologies | On project basis | Back-ended credit capital subsidy limited to 25% of project cost in general and 50% for higher cost norm areas and FPOs, to a maximum of ₹300.00 lakh |
| Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme and Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme | As per Fasal Bima Yojana | As per Fasal Bima Yojana |
National Bamboo Mission — Annexure VIII
| Item | Cost Norm | Pattern of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo nursery — hi-tech (2 ha) · big (1 ha) · small (0.5 ha) | ₹60 lakh/unit · ₹20 lakh/unit · ₹10 lakh/unit | 100% of cost to Government sector; private sector credit-linked back-ended assistance @ 50% of cost |
| New tissue culture unit | ₹250 lakh / unit | 100% to public sector; private sector credit-linked back-ended @ 40%. Minimum 10 lakh plants per year; accreditation mandatory within 18 months |
| Raising saplings in existing government TC nursery · non-TC nursery | ₹35 per sapling per year · ₹20 per sapling per year | 100% of cost to Government sector |
| Plantation using planting material from accredited / approved nurseries | ₹1.20 lakh per ha (equivalent to ₹300 per plant) | 100% to Government sector; private sector 50% of cost up to 10 ha over 2 years (60:40), with an additional 10% for NE States. No subsidy for plantation above 10 ha. FPOs may take up a maximum of 10 ha per individual member. |
| Integrated plantation with drip irrigation facility | ₹1.20 lakh per ha plus cost of drip irrigation as per PMKSY-PDMC norms | Same as above, with additional 10% for NE & Himalayan States |
| Stock improvement in existing bamboo plantation | ₹30,000 per ha | 100% for Government; 50% for private limited to 2 ha per beneficiary, with no area limit for Government sector |
| Primary processing & aggregation · Innovative interventions including manufacturing units | Project based | 100% to Government sector; private sector credit-linked back-ended @ 50% of cost, with an additional 10% for NE States |
| Promotion and development of infrastructure for bamboo market — bamboo mandi, e-trading, bamboo bazaar, rural haats, retail outlets, bamboo construction | Project based | 100% in Government sector; 25% in private sector subject to indicative cost (33% for private sector in North Eastern States) |
| Centre of Excellence in thematic areas of the bamboo value chain | Project based, up to ₹10 crore | 100% cost to public sector; may be established through bilateral co-operation |
| Project management — State / BTSG level and National level | Proposal based | Up to 2.5% of allocation |
NBM 2025 additions: establishment of tissue culture nurseries and upgradation of existing TC nurseries, raising saplings in existing Government TC and non-TC nurseries, stock improvement in existing bamboo plantation, charcoal making units, beauty & wellness products, moulded products, scaling up of emerging technologies, upgradation of existing small / medium / large units, bamboo construction, transport subsidy and establishment of a Centre of Excellence.
The Seventeen New Provisions, and the Practical Route to a Sanction
MIDH was launched in 2014-15 and its cost norms were not revised for ten years. Citing the increase in input and material costs and the arrival of improved machinery and new technologies, the Ministry revised the components and cost norms and issued these Operational Guidelines. The following changes are set out expressly in Section 10 of the guidelines.
New Provisions — Section 10
| Provision | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Coverage | MIDH will be implemented in all districts in the country. |
| Credit linkage relaxed | Credit linkage for projects up to ₹30 lakh may be optional, and subsidy is released in two instalments into TRA / Escrow / SRF accounts based on progress, after a satisfactory joint inspection report. |
| Plantation infrastructure | Under "Plantation Infrastructure Development" including protected cultivation, high tech plug type nurseries under controlled conditions are promoted, focused on easy availability of quality planting material especially in vegetable crops. |
| Import of planting material | Establishment of mother block and PEQ facilities supported; private sector participation allowed, with emphasis on developing tissue culture techniques to substitute imports. Royalty will be provided to private importers of elite planting material, finalised by a committee chaired by the Joint Secretary (Horticulture). |
| New crops of commercial importance | Kamalam (dragon fruit), datepalm, avocado, blueberry, blackberry, rambutan, persimmon, durian, mangosteen, phalsa, tamarind, jamun, bael, karonda, jackfruit, khirni, seabuckthorn, garcinia, hanuman phal (soursop), carobmola, makhana, lac hosting plants, water chestnut (singara), onion, garlic and hybrid vegetables, and identified medicinal crops. New crops may be added with the approval of the Hon'ble Minister. |
| Modern cultivation technology | Ultra hi-density plantations with support structures like trellis, support structures for anti hail / anti bird net, fruit covers, soil-less cultivation including hydroponics and aeroponics, eco-friendly agro-textile products for mulching and weed mats, flexi water storage tanks for NE & Himalayan States, construction of tube well / bore well, and sensor based automation systems for fertigation. |
| Integrated post harvest management | Integrated supply chain projects supported by integration of approved components; the scope of integrated pack houses expanded to include automatic grading line, cold room and material handling equipment. |
| Solar based technologies | Solar panel for drip irrigation, circulation fans under protected cultivation, solar fencing, solar power cold storage and solar crop dryers. |
| Cluster development | Cluster based development of horticulture for high value crops in identified clusters, with focus on export promotion and import substitution; plus promotion of small horticulture clusters with an integrated approach. |
| Import substitution crops | Large scale cultivation of Apple, Almond, Walnut and Cashew in project mode, with a cap on maximum subsidy per project. |
| Start-ups & women entrepreneurship | Promotion of kitchen gardening and low-cost, small-scale mushroom production units. |
| Integrated farming systems | Productivity enhancement through "Horticulture based Integrated Farming Systems" demonstrating modern technologies and good agricultural practices. |
| CDB extension | Approved components such as accreditation and rating of nurseries, creation of water sources, farm mechanization and organic certification extended to the Coconut Development Board sub-scheme. |
| New beneficiary categories | Beneficiaries of Vibrant Villages and Patta Land Holders are now covered under the MIDH scheme. |
The Practical Route to a Sanction
- 1Confirm cluster and crop eligibility: Check that the crop, component and district appear in the State's approved Annual Action Plan for the year, and that the activity sits in an identified cluster. The State AAP, not the guidelines alone, determines what is fundable this year.
- 2Apply through the State's transparent system: States must develop a fair, transparent system for seeking applications and providing assistance, and the DMC develops an online transparent system for beneficiary selection. Applications route through the State Horticulture Mission / District Horticulture Officer; NHB and CDB components route through those boards.
- 3Source planting material and technology correctly: Planting material only from NHB accredited nurseries; protected cultivation material and technologies conforming to BIS standards; all post harvest and cold chain components strictly per NCCD guidelines. Seed-origin material for vegetatively propagable fruit crops is not eligible.
- 4Sanction at the right level: Project cost determines the approving authority — State Mission Director up to ₹5 lakh, Mission Director (MIDH) up to ₹10 lakh, SLSC up to the component ceilings in Annexure III, then EMC and EC. NHB and CDB projects go to the respective Board committees.
- 5Release, inspection and compliance: Subsidy is credit-linked and back-ended for most infrastructure; below ₹30 lakh credit linkage may be optional with release in two instalments into a TRA / Escrow / SRF account after a satisfactory joint inspection. Area expansion releases 60:40 against an 80% survival rate in year two. Nurseries and TC labs must be accredited within 18 months, failing which assistance is recoverable.
National Level Agencies you will encounter: NHB Gurgaon · CDB Kochi · SFAC New Delhi · DCCD Kochi · DASD Calicut · NCPAH · NHRDF Nashik · National Bee Board · National Seeds Corporation · NRCC Nagpur · HIL · MANAGE Hyderabad · APEDA · DMI · MFPI · NMPB · NCCD · FHEL · Spices Board · ICAR Horticulture Institutes · MNCFC · KVSSL Gurugram · NCONF Ghaziabad · NIPHM. For post harvest and cold chain work, NCCD is the standard-setting agency whose guidelines govern component specifications.
Practitioner caution: Cost norms in this document are the upper limit for calculating subsidy, not entitlements. Actual sanction depends on the State's annual allocation, the AAP's sectoral split, the component's approving authority, and — for cold chain — component-wise selection under NCCD guidelines. Combining components (for example a pack house with pre-cooling, cold room and reefer van) is permitted within the prescribed norms of individual items, but an Integrated Cold Chain Project requires a minimum of five components from C-2 to C-11 to qualify at all.