The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Clean Plant Project (CPP), an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with an investment of Rs. The 1,765.67 crore CPP aims to increase the quality and yield of fruit crops in India by providing farmers with virus-free and high-quality planting materials, which are expected to increase yields and improving income. The main features of the CPP are the establishment of nine Smart Plant Centers (CPC) across India equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and laboratories. These centers focus on the production and maintenance of virus-free plant materials for fruits such as grapes, apples, almonds, citrus fruits, mangoes, guavas and pomegranates. The project operates a certification system based on the Seed Act of 1966 that ensures accountability and traceability in the production and sale of plant material. In addition, large nurseries are provided with facilities for the expansion of pure plant material.
The CPP is expected to benefit farmers by providing access to quality planting materials, nurseries by simplifying certification procedures, consumers by providing better quality products, and retailers by strengthening India’s position in global commodity trading. The program is implemented by the National Board of Horticulture in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).