Port Blair, June 13: The High Value Agriculture Development Programme is being implemented in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to provide holistic growth of horticulture sector through technology promotion, extension, post harvest management, processing and marketing.
Under the National Horticulture Mission Scheme, one of the projects namely “Plantation Infrastructure & Development – Production of Planting Materials”, the Small Nursery with an area of 1.0 Ha unit can be established which would cost Rs.6.25 Lakh. The financial assistance for Private Sector is 50 % of the Project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 3.125 Lakh for Small Nursery (1.0 ha) The Small Nursery would have infrastructure facilities for production of 50,000 vegetative propagated fruit plants/tree spices/plantation crops every year. The seedlings/grafts/layers etc are to be maintained for a period of 9 months.
Infrastructure for small nursery will consists of net house of 2000 m2 to screen 35% sunlight. The floor of the net house will have raised beds of one mt size, which will be covered with mulching sheets to control weed and ground pathogens. Micro sprinkler irrigation system should be provided over each bed through out the house. The nurseries should have provision for solar sterilization of soil media. It should ensure quality of planting material through self accreditation. Nurseries should also be regulated under the legislation in force relating to seeds and planting materials. The nurseries should be of multi crops or crop specific depending upon the requirement of local condition.
For availing the assistance under this NHM Scheme, a Project Report may be submitted to the High Value Agriculture Development Agency latest by 15th July 2012. Interested farmers/Entrepreneurs/Co-operative Societies/NGOs/Corporate sector may send their application along with project report to the respective Zonal Officer or contact the Nodal Officer, HVADA, Directorate of Agriculture, Haddo, Port Blair on working days. Contact No. of HVA Cell: 03192 – 237284.
