Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

Introduction 

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a central government scheme launched by the Government of India in 2014 to promote the holistic growth of India’s horticulture sector. It addresses the challenge of low productivity, lack of modern technology, and limited access to market infrastructure faced by fruit, vegetable, flower, and spice growers across the country. By supporting farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and entrepreneurs, MIDH aims to increase area and productivity through scientific interventions, quality planting material, and better post-harvest management. The policy provides financial assistance for activities like nursery development, protected cultivation, drip irrigation, and cold storage – making it easier for eligible farmers and groups to apply for help. As a key agriculture scheme in India, MIDH empowers rural communities, encourages value addition, and links growers to markets, ultimately improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable horticulture practices.

Overview of the Scheme

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a centrally sponsored scheme, launched by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is designed to boost the horticulture sector across all Indian states and union territories, targeting farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and entrepreneurs. The scheme brings together various agencies at central, state, and district levels for implementation, including State Horticulture Missions, the National Horticulture Board (NHB), and the Coconut Development Board (CDB).

MIDH is funded in a central:state ratio of 60:40 for most states. For North-Eastern and Himalayan states, the ratio improves to 90:10, and for union territories and certain national agencies, the central government funds 100%. This funding supports a wide range of services, from input supply and nursery development to machinery, protected cultivation, post-harvest infrastructure like cold storage, value addition, capacity building, and training. For example, a small farmer group may receive support for setting up a greenhouse, getting planting materials, and installing drip irrigation.

Currently, MIDH is ongoing and has been regularly updated – recent guidelines reflect new priorities for 2025 and beyond. Key implementing agencies work with state line departments and local bodies to ensure that eligible farmers and organizations, whether in Maharashtra or the North-East, can access the scheme’s benefits through the right channels.

Coverage of MIDH scheme includes:

• Fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo.
• Support for infrastructure (such as cold storage), inputs, planting material, farm machinery, value addition, credit-linked subsidy, and skill training.

Objectives 

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) has a clear set of objectives, which direct all activities and support offered under this major agriculture scheme. These goals focus on improving the overall productivity, profitability, and sustainability of India’s horticulture sector, benefiting farmers and related groups across the country. The intent and scope are explained below in simple language.

• Promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector, including crops like fruits, vegetables, bamboo, and coconut, using regionally tailored strategies under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) objectives.
• Enhance horticulture production and productivity by encouraging the use of quality planting material, advanced technology, and efficient micro-irrigation systems.
• Support farmer income and strengthen nutritional security by increasing the supply and availability of diverse horticulture crops.
• Improve post-harvest management, processing, and marketing infrastructure to reduce wastage and boost value addition for growers.
• Encourage farmers and groups to adopt a cluster approach for horticulture activities to achieve better results at the local level.
• Create new employment opportunities and support skill development, especially for rural youth, in horticulture and post-harvest management sectors.
• Reduce import dependence by increasing production of high-value crops within the country.
• Facilitate research, training, and technical support to promote innovation and technology transfer within the sector.
• Strengthen linkages between research, extension, processing, and marketing at national, state, and district levels to ensure better returns for producers.

With these objectives, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) aims to make Indian horticulture more robust, market-oriented, and beneficial for both producers and consumers, supporting the broader goals of national agricultural development and rural prosperity.

Key Features / Benefits 

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) provides a practical set of benefits and features designed to help horticulture growers across India. The scheme focuses on making quality resources, technology, and support available at every stage of horticulture, from planting to marketing. Here are the essential features in everyday language, with simple examples where helpful, so that anyone can see how MIDH might benefit different types of farmers and groups.

• Subsidy for setting up nurseries and tissue culture units

Farmers and groups can get financial support to establish modern nurseries that produce healthy plants.

(Example: An FPO can get a grant to start a nursery with modern greenhouse technology.)

• Assistance for new orchard and garden establishment

Support is available for growing new fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, or flower farms using good planting material.

(Example: A small farmer starting a pomegranate orchard gets funds for land preparation and saplings.)

• Rejuvenation of old and unproductive orchards

Grants help farmers revive old orchards through scientific practices, improving yield from neglected fruit trees.

• Promotion of protected cultivation (e.g., greenhouses, shade nets)

MIDH offers subsidies for growing crops under protected structures, making horticulture less risky and more productive.

(Example: A tomato grower in Maharashtra may get part of the setup cost for a polyhouse covered.)

• Subsidy for micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems)

The scheme provides financial help for installing water-saving irrigation systems, boosting efficiency and reducing costs.

• Support for farm machinery and tools

Financial aid helps farmers buy essential equipment for efficient planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

• Assistance on post-harvest management and cold storage

Funds are provided for infrastructure such as cold rooms, pack houses, and grading units to reduce crop losses and increase market value.

(Example: A cooperative in a fruit belt may receive a subsidy to build a small cold storage unit.)

• Financial support for processing units and value addition

MIDH helps set up small-scale processing units for activities like juicing, drying, or packaging horticulture produce, adding value and income potential.

• Special funding benefits for North-East, Himalayan states, women, and SC/ST groups

Eligible groups receive higher subsidy rates for many activities.

(Example: In hill states, the central government covers up to 90% of approved costs.)

• Promotion of organic farming and integrated pest/nutrient management

The scheme encourages farmers to adopt safe, sustainable practices and provides assistance for certification.

• Training and capacity building

Farmers, SHGs, and rural youth can take part in training programmes to learn modern horticulture techniques, post-harvest practices, and business skills.

• Support for clustering and FPO/SHG formation

MIDH encourages forming groups of farmers for collective input purchase, production, storage, and marketing, strengthening their position in the market and improving returns.

With these features, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) stands out as a comprehensive agriculture scheme that reduces risk, increases yield, and supports long-term income growth for horticulturalists across states and union territories.

Eligibility Criteria 

Eligibility for the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is defined carefully so that genuine and deserving applicants benefit from this major agriculture scheme. The criteria depend on the type of beneficiary and are meant to target active, engaged players in the horticulture sector. The following points explain who can apply and what documents are usually needed, in clear terms.

Farmers (Individuals):

• Must own or lease agricultural land as per official state/UT land records or with a valid lease registered for the required period (for most orchards, lease of up to 20 years; for polyhouses, at least 12 years).
• Should reside in the state or district where benefits are being claimed, as verified by local panchayat or authority.
• Typically, one benefit per component per family; duplicate benefit for the same activity is not allowed.
• Priority is given to small/marginal farmers, women, SC/ST, and those from North-East and hilly areas as per annual plan allocation.
• Documents: AADHAAR, updated land records (7/12 extract or equivalent), recent bank passbook, and self-declaration form.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs):

• Must be formally registered and active, with proof of registration and up-to-date bank account/transaction history.
• Should have demonstrated group activity in horticulture or related sectors, and be linked to a recognized bank/NABARD program if specified.
• Priority may be given to women-led and SC/ST groups per guidelines.
• Documents: Registration certificate, member list, resolution/minutes of decision to apply, bank passbook.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):

• Registered under Companies Act or Cooperative Societies Act with valid registration number.
• Must have minimum required membership (as per FPO rules), operational in horticulture activities, and not blacklisted.
• Must provide proof of active business (annual report/activity statement).
• Documents: Registration certificate, recent member records, board resolution, annual report, and relevant bank documents.

Entrepreneurs/Startups/MSMEs:

• Registered as per relevant acts (UDYAM, GST, PAN, etc.).
• Should be engaged or planning to invest in horticulture (nurseries, processing, cold storage, etc.) with an approved Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• Documents: Registration/UDYAM/GST certificate, PAN, project proposal (DPR), bank passbook, land/lease records, and quotations/invoices for proposed machinery.

Special Categories:

• Women, SC/ST, small/marginal farmers, and applicants from North-East or hilly areas get preference or higher benefit under approved norms.
• The annual budgets for scheme components reserve minimum shares for women and SC/ST beneficiaries as per national rules.

Not Eligible:

• Applicants who have already availed benefits for the same component under MIDH (beyond the limit) or have pending recovery against old schemes are not eligible.
• Unregistered groups/companies, non-agricultural entities, or those without required land/document proof are also not eligible.

This structured eligibility framework for Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) ensures support reaches genuine growers, groups, and agri-entrepreneurs, and that assistance is used for its intended purpose. Proper documentation and clear records help make the process fair and transparent for everyone involved.

Application Process

• Where to Apply
  Applicants must apply online through the official horticulture department portal or the state-level agriculture website designated for MIDH applications. For many states, the common online portal is HORTNET (https://hortnet.gov.in) or specific state agriculture portals. Also, physical applications can be submitted at the nearest Agriculture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), ATMA office, or Block Agriculture office.
• Registration/Login
  On the portal, first create an account by providing basic personal details like name, mobile number, and AADHAAR number for authentication. Registered users must log in securely using their credentials.
• Fill Application Form
  The form typically has sections to fill:

1. Beneficiary information (name, address, ID proof details)
2. Land/farm details (ownership papers or lease documents)
3. Component selection (type of assistance needed e.g., nursery, micro-irrigation)
4. Bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

• Upload Documents
  Applicants must upload scanned copies of essential documents such as:

1. AADHAAR card
2. Land records or lease agreement
3. Bank passbook front page
4. Registration certificate (for SHGs, FPOs, MSMEs)
5. Detailed project report (DPR), if applicable
6. Quotations or invoices for machinery or infrastructure

• Application Fee
  No application fee is usually charged under MIDH.
• Acknowledgment/Application ID
  After submitting the form, an acknowledgment or application ID is generated. This ID should be noted for future reference and tracking.
• Verification and Field Inspection
  The horticulture department or its representatives may conduct a field inspection to verify the beneficiary’s eligibility and the proposed project site.
• Approval and Assistance Release
  Upon verification, applications are processed. Assistance is generally released via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank account in installments, based on project milestones or as reimbursement after project completion.
• Offline Route
  Interested applicants can also approach their nearest Agriculture Department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), ATMA, or Block office for application forms, assistance in filling forms, and submitting documents physically.
• Official Support
  For help, applicants can contact the state Horticulture Mission office or call the helpline numbers provided on the state agriculture website or MIDH central portal.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Ensure name and AADHAAR details match exactly across documents.
• Upload only clear, legible copies of mandatory documents to avoid rejection.
• Complete all form sections carefully without leaving blanks.
• Submit applications before deadlines to avoid disqualification.

This straightforward application process makes it easier for farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and entrepreneurs to apply online or offline and avail the benefits under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

Challenges or Limitations 

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) faces some common challenges and limitations typical of large-scale government schemes. Recognizing these issues helps beneficiaries and implementing agencies find practical ways to work smoothly and benefit fully under the scheme.

Challenge: Delays in verification and field inspection

Verifying land documents and inspecting project sites can take time, causing delays in subsidy approval.

What to do: Keep land records up to date and submit clear, complete documents to speed up verification.

Challenge: Limited budget availability or short seasonal windows

Sometimes, funds get exhausted early in the year, and seasonal crop cycles require timely action.

What to do: Apply early within the financial year and plan activities around notified seasonal deadlines.

Challenge: Mismatch in beneficiary identification documents or name differences

Incorrect or inconsistent details between AADHAAR, land records, and bank accounts can lead to application rejection.

What to do: Double-check all documents for matching names and details before applying.

Challenge: Lack of awareness or difficulty in understanding application procedure

Many eligible farmers and groups struggle with the online portal or required paperwork.

What to do: Seek help from local agriculture offices, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, or dedicated helplines for guidance.

Challenge: Delays in fund release due to administrative approvals

Multiple levels of approval from district committees sometimes slow down subsidy disbursement.

What to do: Stay in contact with local horticulture officers, and follow up regularly on application status.

Challenge: Overlapping benefits and ineligibility issues

Applying for the same assistance under multiple schemes or exceeding subsidy limits can invalidate applications.

What to do: Ensure clear understanding of scheme guidelines and avoid duplicate claims across different programs.

Challenge: Technical glitches in online application portals

System errors during form submission or document upload may frustrate applicants.

What to do: Save work often, use recommended browsers, and report issues promptly to portal support teams.

Challenge: Difficulty in cluster formation and group mobilization

Coordinating multiple farmers or entrepreneurs for joint schemes can be complex.

What to do: Partner with local SHGs, FPOs, and cooperative bodies for better collective planning and application.

By staying aware of these challenges and following practical solutions, applicants and officials can improve the implementation experience of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This ensures that the scheme’s benefits reach the right people effectively and sustainably.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) actively promotes convergence with other government agricultural schemes to provide holistic support to farmers and FPOs. Officially, MIDH coordinates with schemes like PM-KISAN (income support), PMFME (micro food enterprises), PMFBY (crop insurance), ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), NFSM (National Food Security Mission), and RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana).

This linkage helps beneficiaries access multiple benefits simultaneously. For example, a farmer growing fruits under MIDH can receive planting subsidies and also get financial support from PM-KISAN. Meanwhile, processing units set up under MIDH can avail marketing support under PMFME, enhancing profitability and reducing risks.

MIDH is also integrated with custom hiring centers in states for machinery access, strengthening the entire value chain. The scheme continues to evolve, with updates and operational guideline revisions extending support through 2025 and beyond, ensuring alignment with national priorities and budgets.

In summary, the future plans for MIDH emphasize deepening coordination with allied missions and schemes, improving farmer incomes, promoting technology adoption, and expanding capacity building. This approach maximizes the reach and impact of public investment, benefiting horticulture growers across India.

Key points:

• MIDH works closely with PM-KISAN, PMFME, PMFBY, ATMA, NFSM, and RKVY.
• Combined scheme support leads to holistic farmer benefits and better income security.
• Updates to MIDH guidelines aim to enhance convergence and efficiency through 2025.
• Integration with custom hiring centers supports mechanization access for growers.

This synergy offers farmers and FPOs a pathway to comprehensive growth and sustainability under India’s evolving agricultural landscape.

Conclusion 

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) plays a crucial role in boosting India’s horticulture sector by supporting farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and entrepreneurs with comprehensive assistance across production, post-harvest management, processing, and marketing. This scheme benefits small and marginal farmers most, helping them increase income through better technology, quality planting material, and improved market access. To explore the benefits, interested individuals and groups should first check their eligibility and latest application details on the official MIDH portal or respective state horticulture websites, and prepare necessary documents like land records and identity proofs.

Staying updated via official portals and local agriculture offices ensures smooth application and timely access to subsidies and grants. Applying through the recognized process maximizes chances of receiving support and contributing to sustainable horticulture growth in India.

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.