I have pleasure in announcing that NHB has taken a very pragmatic step by deciding to extend the benefits of its schemes- "Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post Harvest Management" to projects relating to vegetable production too, with effect from 1st July 2011. Hi-tech, credit-linked, commercial horticulture projects involving creation of essential infrastructures like source of irrigation, micro- irrigation, farm mechanization, specialized transport vehicles, pack house, cold room, pre-coolers, fencing may be eligible for assistance under the scheme.

As you know that linking production centres with major marketing centres in the Country has been identified as one of the crucial interventions for triggering a new era of horticulture development. Therefore, NHB, in association with Indian Railways and CONCOR, has taken necessary steps for introducing a dedicated multi-modal transport system in the form of a containerized Horticulture Train between Turbhe (Vashi market in Mumbai) and New Azadpur (New Delhi). The dedicated horticulture train is proposed to comprise of refrigerated and non-refrigerated (but insulated and ventilated) freight containers. Trial run of first prototype container manufactured as per specialized design at Kolkatta is scheduled to take place by the end of June 2011. Based on success of this trial run, manufacturing of other over 98 containers will be undertaken.

NHB has continued its effort of product promotion and market development during the current summer season too. During this period, it has organized Horti-fair Sangam- 2011 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi; Apana Bazaar outlets, Mumbai and Community Hall, Patliputra Colony, Patna (Bihar). In addition, it has supported producer farmers from Gujrat for Kesar Mangoes, farmers from Muzaffarpur (Bihar) for Litchi and mango producers from Murshidabad for mangoes to display for sale their fruits at INA Dilli Haat.

I am sure, with your active participation and cooperation, NHB will be able to take the benefits of its schemes to the entrepreneurs with improved service delivery system.

With Best Wishes,

Yours sincerely
Bijay Kumar
Managing Director,
National Horticulture Board