K'taka to get Rs 130cr for horticulture

The Centre would provide Rs 130 crore to Karnataka under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) to promote horticulture and create necessary facilities in the state, said its director S K Patnaik.

The Centre has already approved the proposal sent by the state government in this regard and the funds would be released in a phased manner.

Speaking at the two-day seminar on 'Cultivation of vegetables and marketing' organised at the University of Agricultural Sciences, here on Wednesday, he said under the NHM, the horticulture department would provide new techniques and training in marketing and processing after harvesting of crops, establishing new gardens and nurseries besides providing subsidies to those interested in horticulture.

He informed that the government provided 75 per cent and 50 per cent subsidies respectively for horticulture of kino and improving the conditions of already existing gardens.

The government has plans to establish marketing complexes with modern amenities for storing and marketing of fruits, flowers and vegetables.

Patnaik called upon agriculture scientists and officers of the department of agriculture and horticulture to enlighten the farmers on the export potential.