India’s Clean Plant Programme
India faces rising challenges from climate change and plant diseases that threaten agricultural productivity. Viruses and other pathogens cause severe crop losses, affecting farmers’ income and food quality. To tackle this, the government launched the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) in August 2024. CPP aims to provide virus-free, high-quality planting material to farmers, ensuring healthier crops and higher yields.
Background and Need for Clean Planting Material
Plant diseases often go unnoticed until symptoms appear, making field management difficult. Using disease-free planting material is the most effective preventive step. It reduces the spread of systemic pathogens, improves crop quality, and extends shelf life. The CPP focuses on clean plant stock to safeguard plant health without harmful side effects.
Programme Structure and Funding
CPP is implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) with technical support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The total investment is ₹1,765.67 crore, including a $98 million loan from the Asian Development Bank. Nine Clean Plant Centres will be set up nationwide, with three centres in Maharashtra for grapes, oranges, and pomegranates. Modern nurseries will be financially supported to supply 8 crore disease-free seedlings annually.
Key Activities and Progress
The programme has launched a dedicated website to provide updates and resources. Hazard Analysis is underway to identify viruses in crops like grapes, apples, and citrus. Sample testing has been conducted across various states. The first Clean Plant Centre is in the design phase. Experts from NHB and ADB have visited nurseries in Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir to study best practices. Laboratory assessments are ongoing to develop advanced bioinformatics tools for virus detection.
Process of Producing Clean Planting Material
Plant material is first tested for pathogens. If negative, it is propagated to produce disease-free mother plants. If positive, virus elimination treatments like tissue culture or heat therapy are applied before propagation. Certified clean plants are then distributed through nurseries to farmers, ensuring quality and safety.
Benefits for Stakeholders
Farmers gain access to healthy, high-yield seedlings. Nurseries receive infrastructure support and streamlined certification. Consumers benefit from better quality fruits with improved taste and nutrition. The export sector is strengthened by offering virus-free produce. The programme promotes equity by making clean planting materials affordable and includes women farmers in planning and training. It also develops region-specific varieties suited to diverse agro-climatic zones.
Alignment with National Initiatives
CPP supports India’s Mission LiFE, which encourages environmental sustainability through behavioural change. It also complements the National One Health Mission, integrating human, animal, and environmental health to manage disease risks holistically. CPP aligns with the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to boost sector productivity and quality.
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