HORTICULTURE SECTOR TO GET HI-TECH BOOST WITH DUTCH INITIATIVE

NEWS

• India’s horticulture sector is set for a technological transformation through a Dutch-led initiative focusing on AI-driven precision farming and climate-resilient food production.
• The project aims to promote pesticide-free, water-efficient, and energy-efficient greenhouse cultivation.

 HIGHLIGHTS

The Dutch Consortium – HortiRoad2India

• HortiRoad2India is a public-private partnership formed by the Dutch horticulture sector.
• The consortium has spent five years studying India’s needs to design a comprehensive, adaptable model for Indian farmers.
• Collaboration includes technology consultation, farmer training, education, and market linkages.
• Finance models have been jointly developed with Indian banks and the Dutch government to support adoption.

Technological Features

• Introduction of mid-tech and high-tech greenhouses, including glass houses for climate resilience.
• High-value crops: strawberry, coloured capsicum, cherry tomato, microgreens, and lettuce in hi-tech glasshouses; tomatoes in mid-tech setups.
• Water efficiency: 96% less water use than open-field farming.
• Yield: up to 30 times higher (especially for tomatoes).
• No pesticides—uses biological pest control and disease-resistant hybrid varieties.

Sustainability and Cluster Model

• Focus on cluster-based greenhouses near major cities to reduce transport losses.
• Plans underway for projects in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Punjab.
• Also aims to build cold storage chains to minimize post-harvest losses.

 Impact and Benefits

• Ensures clean, pesticide-free food and sustainable farmer incomes.
• Makes farming more technical and employment-generating.
• Supports exports by enabling production near ports and consumption centres.