Scheme for Promoting Young Talents in Science-I 2026

Assam's Integrated Horticulture Development scheme is a key initiative to boost horticultural activities through civil works, grants, Read More... technology introduction, and equipment procurement. Read less

Details

The horticulture sector in Assam is vibrant and diverse, encompassing a wide range of crops and activities. From fruits like bananas and oranges to vegetables, spices, and flowers, the state has a rich agricultural landscape. High-value crops such as strawberries and passion fruit are also gaining popularity, offering good returns to farmers. Mushroom cultivation is another profitable venture being encouraged, especially for young entrepreneurs.

What Is This Scheme?

The Integrated Horticulture Development scheme is a major state plan designed to enhance the horticulture sector in Assam. It aims to support various aspects of horticultural farming, including infrastructure development, providing financial aid to growers, facilitating the purchase of necessary tools and equipment, and introducing advanced technologies.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for horticulture growers and farmers in Assam looking to expand their cultivation, improve productivity, and increase their income. It supports a wide array of horticultural activities, from growing fruits and vegetables to spices, flowers, medicinal plants, and mushroom cultivation. The scheme also focuses on areas like bee-keeping, food processing, micro-irrigation, and post-harvest management.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme is crucial for boosting horticulture production in Assam, thereby enhancing farmers' incomes and improving nutritional security for the state. By promoting the use of quality planting materials, efficient water management through micro-irrigation, and advanced technologies, it aims to increase both the yield and the quality of horticultural produce.

Objective

Assam's Integrated Horticulture Development scheme is a key initiative to boost horticultural activities through civil works, grants, technology introduction, and equipment procurement.

Benefits

Groups of a maximum of 5 students of Class VIII-XII from a school will be selected for financial assistance of up to ₹5,000/- for doing a science project.
Financial assistance will be provided to the host school and the students have to work under the guidance/supervision of a teacher.
Awardees are encouraged to participate in the Science Talent Fair, National Children’s Science Congress, or Kerala Science Congress organized by KSCSTE to present their projects/findings.
The duration of the project is one year.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for certain roles or support under this scheme, individuals may need to possess the following qualifications:

A Degree or Diploma in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
At least 2 years of post-qualification experience, preferably in the irrigation sector.
Knowledge of computer applications.
A minimum of 55% marks or a CGPA of 5.5/10 (or equivalent) at the graduate/diploma level.

How To Apply

The application process details are not explicitly provided in the source. However, for employment opportunities related to engineering roles, applicants typically need to submit their qualifications and experience. For specific grants and subsidies for growers, it is advisable to contact the Horticulture & FP Department, Assam or check their official website for the latest application guidelines and forms.

Official Contact/Further Information:
Horticulture & FP Department, Assam.

Documents Required

For specific technical or employment roles that may be associated with the scheme, the following documents might be required:

Degree/Diploma certificate in Civil/ Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering.
Proof of 2 years' post-qualification experience, preferably in the irrigation sector.
Proof of computer knowledge.
Academic mark sheets and certificates demonstrating a minimum of 55% marks or 5.5/10 CGPA (or equivalent) at the graduate/diploma level.

FAQ’s

What is the mission behind the Integrated Development of Horticulture?

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Its goal is the comprehensive development of the horticulture sector, covering a wide range of crops including fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, and cocoa.

What makes a land suitable for horticulture?

Horticultural land is typically a contiguous area of at least five (5) acres. This land must be commercially used for cultivating gardens, orchards, or growing fruits, nuts, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants, and should include all income-producing improvements.

What are the main categories within horticulture?

The horticulture industry is generally divided into three main areas based on the crops grown and their uses. These are floriculture (flowers), olericulture (vegetables), and pomology (fruits). Post-harvest technology is also a crucial aspect.

How has horticulture performed in Assam recently?

Horticulture plays a significant role in Assam's overall agricultural growth. The growth rate in horticulture in the state saw an increase to 7.6% during 2014-15, up from 6.6% in 2013-14.

Which Indian ministry oversees horticulture?

The Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development operates under the Horticulture Division of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

What educational background is needed for a BSc in Horticulture?

To be eligible for a BSc in Horticulture Science, candidates must have completed 10+2 with Science, including Biology as a compulsory subject. Most colleges require candidates to have scored above 50% in their Class 12 board exams.

When did the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture start?

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) began implementation in 2014-15. It's a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at the holistic development of horticulture across the country.

What are the natural factors crucial for horticulture?

Soil and climate are the most important natural factors for horticulture. A favourable combination of both is essential for growing horticultural crops, as not all fruits and vegetables can thrive in every soil type and climate.

Does Assam have any specific agriculture schemes for 2023?

Yes, in 2023, the Assam government launched a new Zero Interest Crop Loan Scheme. This scheme offers a 100% interest subsidy on short-term agricultural loans for farmers.

What is India's standing in global horticulture production?

India is a leading country in horticulture production, second only to China. In 2013-14, India contributed about 13.6% to the world's fruit production and 14% to vegetable production.