Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?

The National Horticulture Mission (NHM), launched in 2005-06 and now a component of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), aims to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector through area expansion, better planting material, protected cultivation and post-harvest management.

Role in production and productivity

• Horticulture output has overtaken foodgrain production, making India the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world.
• The mission supported nurseries, hybrid seeds, micro-irrigation, greenhouses and cold-chain infrastructure, raising yields per hectare.
• It diversified cropping toward higher-value fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers.

Impact on farm income

By shifting land to remunerative crops and enabling protected cultivation, NHM has raised gross returns for many horticulture farmers and improved nutritional availability.

How far has it succeeded?

Income gains are uneven. High post-harvest losses, weak cold chains, price volatility, poor market linkages and dominance of intermediaries erode the farmer's share. Small growers lack access to grading, storage and processing.

Realising the income promise requires stronger value chains, FPOs, food processing and assured markets so that higher production translates into higher and stable incomes.