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Title : Need to include all the districts of Orissa under National Horticulture Mission Programme.
SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): Basing on the agro-climatic condition there is immense potential for cultivation of tropical, sub-tropical and arid zone fruits, vegetables, spices in Orissa. Earlier the horticulture activities in Orissa were covered under Macro management of Agriculture Schemes taken in all the 30 districts in which Government of India provided 90% and state provided 10% funds. The National Horticulture Mission is operational only in 16 districts since 2005-2006 and there is no programme for the remaining 14 districts although the agro-climatic conditions are conducive. Due to paucity of funds in the State Plan no horticulture programmes are being implemented in these districts.
I urge upon the Government to include all 30 district under National Horticulture Mission Programme. Alternatively, the 14 excluded districts may be brought under the Centrally sponsored – Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme.
Further, I may state that only 3 fruit crops like mango, cashew and banana have been covered under NHM Programme though there are potential areas available for commercial cultivation of litchi and citrus crops. I would request the Government to consider to include cultivation of litchi and citrus crops under NHM programme.