Lok Sabha Question No. 1340 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Revision of MIDH Cost Norms
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1340

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 rd  DECEMBER, 2024

## Revision of MIDH Cost Norms

1340: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun:

Will     the     Minister     of      AGRICULTURE     AND     FARMERS     WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) Scheme started during 2006-07 and implemented in the State of Karnataka as a sub-scheme of National Horticulture Mission and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether it is a fact that the cost norms and pattern of assistance under MIDH have not been enhanced since 2013-14 and needs to be revised as per current market values and if so, the action taken in this regard; (c)  whether  the  State  of  Karnataka  is  the  largest  producer  of  the  Areca  nut  in  the country with an area of 6.89 lakh hectares and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether it is also a fact that more than 90% of Areca nut is used only for Sweet Supari and pan masala and there is more scope for research on value addition and the development of its bi-products and if so, the details thereof; and (e)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  establish  an  exclusive  research station  in  the  Davanagere  district  which  is  geographically  suitable  for  Areca  nut cultivation and marketing centers and if so, the details and progress thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष और िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR)

- (a)    The  National  Horticulture  Mission  Scheme  was  started  in  2005-06  which subsequently came under the Centrally Sponsored umbrella Scheme i.e. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) w.e.f. 2014-15, for holistic growth of the horticulture sector in the  country.  All States and  UTs are covered under MIDH including Karnataka.

The major interventions under MIDH Scheme are as under:

- Nursery and Quality planting material.
- Area expansion and rejuvenation of senile orchards.
- Protected  Cultivation: Cultivation of high value  horticulture  crops  under controlled conditions.
- Water harvesting structures: Farm ponds for individuals and community.
- Horticulture mechanization, Integrated Nutrient Management  (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
- Post-harvest infrastructure including primary processing and cold storages.
- Capacity building of farmers.
- Centres of Excellence (CoEs).

(b)    Yes. The cost norms and pattern of assistance have not been revised so far since 2014-15. However, the revised cost norms of MIDH Scheme are under finalization.

(c)  Yes.  Arecanut is cultivated in approximately 15 states, spanning a total area of 9.638 lakh hectares and yielding 13.739 lakh tonnes. Karnataka dominates arecanut production, accounting for over 70% of the country's total output. Karnataka has an area of 6.90 lakh hectares under arecanut, producing 10 lakh tonnes.

(d)    Arecanut  is  mainly  used  for  chewing  purposes.  Arecanut  has  also  uses  in product  of  immature  arecanut  processing,  have  various  uses  like  Dyeing  clothes, Tanning leather, Food coloring and can be used as a mordant for creating shades with metallic  salts.  Arecanut  nuts  also  contain  extractable  fat,  suitable  for  confectionary ayurvedic and veterinary medicines because of its several alkaloids.Tannins, a bypurposes.

(e)   As of now, there is no such proposal for establishing an exclusive research station in the Davanagere district of Karnataka.

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