National Horticulture Board, Objectives, Schemes, Importance

National Horticulture Board (NHB) is an autonomous organisation established by the Government of India in 1984 to promote the integrated development of the horticulture sector. It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and is registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Its headquarters is located in Gurugram, Haryana. Read this article to know the objectives, schemes and importance of this board.

National Horticulture Board Objectives

The major objective of National Horticulture Board is to promote the integrated and sustainable development of India’s horticulture industry. Its key objectives include:

1. Promoting commercial horticulture in identified regions and developing them as horticulture hubs.
2. Improving post-harvest infrastructure to reduce losses of fruits, vegetables and other horticultural produce.
3. Developing modern cold-chain infrastructure for efficient storage and transportation of perishable produce.
4. Promoting new technologies and modern tools for high-tech commercial horticulture.
5. Ensuring quality planting material by supporting nurseries, mother plants, scion and rootstock banks and nursery accreditation.
6. Strengthening horticulture markets and promoting the market development of fresh horticultural produce.
7. Supporting research and development and field trials of new planting materials, technologies and production practices.
8. Promoting farm mechanisation to reduce labour costs and improve productivity.
9. Supporting technology transfer and training for farmers, nursery operators and other stakeholders.

Schemes of the National Horticulture Board

National Horticulture Board implements various programmes aimed at improving production, infrastructure, technology and marketing in the horticulture sector. Its major schemes include: 

1. Development of Commercial Horticulture

Provides credit-linked back-ended subsidies to support large-scale commercial production and post-harvest management of high-value horticultural crops, including capsicum, cucumber, tomato and flowers.

2. Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme for Cold Storage

Provides financial assistance for the construction, expansion and modernisation of cold storage facilities and other storage infrastructure for perishable horticultural produce. The subsidy generally ranges from 35% to 50% of eligible capital costs, depending on the location and applicable guidelines.

3. Technology Development and Transfer

Promotes the adoption and transfer of modern horticultural technologies through initiatives such as high-tech nurseries, horticulture fairs, technical training programmes, farmer exposure visits and technology demonstration activities.

4. Cluster Development Programme (CDP)

Promotes the holistic and market-oriented development of geographically specialised horticulture clusters. It focuses on improving productivity, infrastructure, value addition, market linkages, competitiveness and export potential.

5. Market Information Services

Collects, analyses and disseminates market prices, arrivals and other horticulture-related market information. This helps farmers and other stakeholders understand market trends and make informed production and marketing decisions.

6. Horticulture Promotion Services

Provides technical and professional support for horticulture projects through techno-economic feasibility studies, consultancy, project coordination, surveys and other activities aimed at promoting systematic development of the sector.

Also Read:- National Horticulture Mission

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Importance of the National Horticulture Board

National Horticulture Board (NHB) plays a key role in strengthening India’s horticulture sector by improving production, post-harvest infrastructure, technology, storage, market access and farmers’ income.

• Reduces post-harvest losses through better storage, cold-chain and transportation facilities.
• Promotes commercial horticulture and high-value crop production.
• Supports the adoption of modern and high-tech farming technologies.
• Strengthens cold storage and post-harvest management infrastructure.
• Improves market access and price realisation for horticultural producers.
• Promotes quality planting material and better nursery infrastructure.
• Encourages value addition and processing of horticultural produce.
• Supports horticulture clusters to improve competitiveness and export potential.
• Provides market information on prices, arrivals and trends.
• Encourages private-sector investment and participation in horticulture development.

National Horticulture Board and Horticulture Development

The National Horticulture Board (NHB) supports the growth of India’s horticulture sector by promoting modern cultivation, post-harvest management and market infrastructure.

It helps improve the productivity and quality of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other high-value crops through technology and financial support.

The Board also strengthens cold chains, storage, transportation and market linkages, helping reduce post-harvest losses.

Through these interventions, NHB contributes to value addition, better price realisation for farmers and the overall competitiveness of Indian horticulture.