National Horticulture Board

Why in News

On December 4, 2025, the 33rd meeting of the National Horticulture Board (NHB) was held at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

About the National Horticulture Board

• Established: 1984
• Legal Form: An Autonomous Society
• Controlled: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
• Headquarters: Gurgaon (Gurugram), Haryana
• Objective: To promote the integrated development of the horticulture sector in India, increase production, improve quality, and enhance farmers' income.

Composition: Governing Body

• Chairman: Secretary/Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Other Members:
  • Technical Experts
  • Representatives of State Governments
  • Members of Industry and Farmers' Organizations

Role and Functions

• Promote horticulture development
  • Develop nurseries of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, cocoa, coconut, etc.
  • Establish high-quality nurseries.
• Provide financial assistance
  • Subsidies for cold storage and post-harvest infrastructure.
  • Support for projects such as nurseries, high-tech greenhouses, packhouses, regeneration plants, etc.
• Quality Control and Certification
  • Promote India GAP and other certification systems.
  • Set quality standards for planting material.
• Market Development and Marketing Support
  • Strengthen supply chains at the individual and farmer levels.
  • Promote export-oriented production.
• Data Collection and Analysis
  • Collection, analysis, and publication of data related to the horticulture sector.
  • Support in horticulture statistics and market control.
• Training and Capacity Building
  • Provide technical training to farmers, entrepreneurs, and FPOs.
  • Promote modern agricultural techniques such as drip irrigation, greenhouses, and tissue culture.
• Support for Research and Innovation
  • Work on new varieties, advanced technologies, and promotion.
  • Coordination with R&D institutions and universities.
• Synergy with Horticulture Missions and other government programs
  • National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
  • Agricultural Export Policy
  • Horticulture Sector-Based Cluster Development Program