Atmanirbhar clean plantation program

The government plans to launch an Atmanirbhar Clean

Plant Programme to improve the availability of
disease-free quality planting material for high-value
horticultural crops.

The total outlay on the project is estimated at ₹2,200

crore.

This initiative is aimed at improving the overall

quality of these crops and contributing to the growth
and development of the horticulture industry.

It is likely to boost several horticultural crops

including fruits, vegetables, spices, plantation crops
and flowers among others.
By providing access to disease-free planting materials, the government hopes to
increase the productivity and competitiveness of the horticulture sector.

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme is an important step towards building

a self-reliant horticulture industry in the country.

The budget further defines India’s firm stance on green growth by articulating
the government’s strategy for economic development with a focus on
sustainable development.

The government has accelerated the pace of green growth as India is facing the
grave reality of depleting natural resources, limited supply of water, minerals,
and fossil fuels as it surpasses China to become the most populous country.
Why is the scheme called Clean Plant?
The GoI is to use only clean horticultural plants in this program. Also, it will
promote the use of clean plants.

What are clean plants?

A clean plant means the plant has been tested for several things before planting.
The testing made before planting is as follows:
•Plants are checked for viruses, bacteria, or fungi. And those plants infected
with these microorganisms are not planted
•Plants that are economically important are put under the category of clean
plants
•Some of them shall even be maintained under controlled conditions for
increased productivity
 Other hits and misses

Under circularity, 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants will be established under the new
GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme with a total
investment of Rs 10,000 crore.

The government intends to notify the Green Credit program under the Environment
(Protection) Act, which would encourage behavioural change and incentivise
environmentally sustainable and responsive actions by companies, individuals, and
local bodies.
 The bottom line

The Indian economy is expected to grow at ~7% in the current year, and ‘Green
Growth’ is likely to act as an enabler in multiple ways: cleaner transition, creating
green jobs and promoting sustainable development.

With the budget announcements, India's highly dynamic sustainability landscape

demonstrates the government’s sincere intention.

It also underlines the urgency for industry sectors, corporates and their value chain
stakeholders to adopt responsible and cleaner business practices.

This shift presents new opportunities for long-term value creation, contributing
towards a prosperous future for India.