Integrated Horticulture Development is a State Plan scheme of the Assam government made for the growth of the horticulture sector. It supports horticulture growers with financial grants, tools, modern equipment, and new farming technologies. The scheme is open for individual farmers in Assam and continues for the 2026-27 financial year.
This scheme supports different activities like required civil works, grants-in-aid for growers, procurement of tools and equipment, and introduction of new technology. Farmers can use this support to expand farms, take up new crops, and raise production.
Integrated Horticulture Development - Introduction
Horticulture sector in Assam covers many activities, including cultivation of fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, potato, onion, medicinal and aromatic crops, and mushrooms. It also deals with bee keeping, food processing, micro irrigation, and post harvest management including cold chain development.
Major fruit crops of the state are banana, pineapple, papaya, Assam lemon, orange, guava, litchi, jackfruit, and mango. Tuber crops like potato, sweet potato, and tapioca are also grown. Among spices, farmers grow chilli, turmeric, ginger, onion, coriander, garlic, and black pepper along with different rabi and kharif vegetables.
High value crops like strawberry, passion fruit, and apple ber are becoming popular because of higher returns. Flowers such as marigold, gerbera, anthurium, lilium, and tuberose are also grown. Mushroom production is seen as a profitable activity for unemployed youths.
Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Assam encourages farmers to expand the area under high value commercial crops through different state and central sector schemes. The department also focuses on quality planting materials and accredited nurseries so that higher production with better quality becomes possible.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Integrated Horticulture Development |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual |
| State | Assam |
| Category | Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash Support |
| Nodal Department | Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Assam |
Benefits
Integrated Horticulture Development helps improve horticulture production, increase farmer income, and strengthen nutritional security. It supports better productivity through quality planting material and water use efficiency with micro irrigation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Horticulture subsidy provided for cultivation |
| Spices | Support provided up to a maximum of 4 hectares per beneficiary |
| Flowers and Plantation | Subsidized support available |
| Aromatic Plants | Financial support available for cultivation |
| Orchards | Special support provided for orchard development |
Eligibility
To qualify for technical roles or equipment support under the scheme, a person should hold a degree or diploma in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering. It is preferred to have at least 2 years of post qualification experience, preferably in the irrigation sector, along with basic computer knowledge. Minimum 55% marks or 5.5/10 CGPA at graduate or diploma level is required.
Application Process
Application for most services is done online through the official portal of the department. For special components like cold storage, ripening chamber, cold room, rural market, and retail outlet, registration is done online.
STEP 1 - Go to the official portal and complete the online application form for the chosen component.
STEP 2 - Take a printout of the submitted online application.
STEP 3 - Submit the hard copy of the application at the District Agriculture Office through the local Agriculture Development Officer.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while preparing the application:
- Proof of academic qualification, degree or diploma in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering with at least 55% marks or 5.5/10 CGPA.
- Documents showing 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in the irrigation sector.
- Computer skill certificates and basic computer knowledge proof.
- Land ownership records and identification documents.
References
Official guidelines for the horticulture sector can be checked on the MIDH official website. For state level updates, contact the Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Assam. A full list of state schemes is available in the Assam Government Schemes List.
FAQ's
What is the status of horticulture in Assam?
Horticulture contributes significantly to the agricultural growth of the state. The sector has shown positive growth in recent years, reflecting the success of Integrated Horticulture Development and related support.
What is the mission of integrated development of horticulture?
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a centrally sponsored scheme for the complete growth of the horticulture sector. It covers fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, flowers, and medicinal and aromatic plants. Details are available on the MIDH website.
What are the basic soil and climate requirements for horticulture?
Success depends on a good combination of soil and climate. Since weather cannot be controlled, farmers should choose crops that suit the soil type and climate of their region.
Which department manages this scheme?
Integrated Horticulture Development is managed by the Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Assam under the Horticulture and Food Processing Department.
How does the scheme help unemployed youth?
The scheme promotes profitable activities like mushroom cultivation and modern food processing, which give self-employment and regular income for youths in Assam.
How much land is required to participate?
The criteria are flexible for different farming scales. Generally, commercially used productive land is eligible, but farmers should check with the local Agriculture Development Officer for area requirements based on the chosen crop.