New Delhi, Apr 17 (KNN) The government is planning a slew of measures to promote horticulture including the establishment of hi-tech nurseries of improved varieties and permitting direct marketing of horticulture produce.

“Production and supply of quality planting material will continue to be a high priority area for horticulture development during the 12th Plan.  Emphasis will be laid on establishment of hi-tech nurseries of improved varieties, good quality root-stock banks and hi-tech green houses,” said an official statement.

Crop-based Centre of Excellence by states under the horticulture mission is on the anvil to serve as a hub for supply of planting material and dissemination of technology to farmers.

Buoyant by the success of the 11^th plan, the government will expand area under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) which will be linked to availability of quality planting material through accredited nurseries and tissue culture units.

 Importance will be given for covering more area under vegetable hybrids and export-oriented varieties of crops such as ginger, turmeric and chillies.

Plans are also afoot to set up market infrastructure for farmers to market their products directly.

“Setting up of markets infrastructure will be linked with reforms in APMC Act, for permitting direct marketing of horticulture produce,” it said.

The government is also focussing on creating cold chain networks to safeguard the crop from rotting. (KNN)