The Centre and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a 98 million US dollar loan agreement to improve horticulture farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials. This will enhance crop yield, quality, and resilience to climate impacts.

The loan agreement for the Building India’s Clean Plant Programme was signed by the Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Juhi Mukherjee and Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, Kai Wei Yeo.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mukherjee said, the ADB funding will promote plant health, crucial for improving farmers’ productivity. According to the Finance Ministry, the project supports the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), which strengthens plant health management.

It will help develop regulatory frameworks and systems to implement the CPP effectively for horticulture in India. The project will involve collaboration with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations to ensure its success. The project will also help farmers in adapting to climate change by addressing the impact of rising temperatures on pests and diseases.