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Why CPP
Why CPP
India’s fruit productivity remains below the global average despite significant investments in infrastructure. A major reason is the widespread use of poor-quality planting material, often infected with systemic pathogens-especially viruses. In addition, the heavy reliance on imported planting material leads to substantial foreign exchange outflow.
The Hidden Threat to Productivity
India has invested significantly in boosting farm productivity, yet systemic pathogens (primarily viruses) continue to pose a major threat-causing significant yield losses. These pathogens reduce crop quantity, quality and longevity, and by the time symptoms appear, it is often impossible for farmers to manage diseases in the field.
Healthy Orchard
Virus Affected Orchard
Global Lessons in Plant Disease Control
The economic devastation caused by plant diseases worldwide underscores the urgency of proactive measures:
Huanglongbing (citrus greening): In Florida, the outbreak caused loss of approximately $9 billion between 2006 and 2016.
Plum pox virus: Mandatory eradication of affected trees costs the US $34 million and Canada $47 million.
Xylella fastidiosa: Since 2013 the outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa in olive trees led to the removal of ~ 20 million olive trees, wiping out 15% of the country’s olive orchards.
Developed countries are investing significantly in disease surveillance and monitoring systems to mitigate such risks, reinforcing the importance of starting with pathogen-free materials.
Starting with disease-free planting materials is the most effective strategy to combat these challenges.
Clean Plant Program (CPP): India’s Initiative to Strengthen Horticulture
Through the creation of crop-specific CPCs and a national network of accredited nurseries, the CPP ensures the availability of high-quality planting material across the country. By minimizing the introduction and spread of systemic pathogens, the initiative strengthens India’s horticulture sector, enhances export potential, and reduces dependence on imported material.
Program Objectives
The program, led by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), focuses on:
Enhanced Productivity
Providing disease-free planting materials of key fruit crops.
Ecosystem Protection
Proactively controlling pathogens and diseases to safeguard the environment.
Capacity Building
Empowering stakeholders to adopt and manage production, maintenance, and distribution system.
Knowledge Network Enhancement
Facilitating collaboration amongst research institutes, SAU’s, nurseries, and national and state agencies for sustainable operation of CPCs and nursery certification program.
ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY
The goal should provide a clear and concrete definition of what we’re trying to achieve.
Ecosystem Protection
The goal should allow us to track our progress and measure our success.
Capacity Building
The goal should be achievable and realistic given our resources and constraints.
Knowledge Network Enhancement
Facilitating collaboration among different stakeholders (Research institutes, SAU’s, nurseries, and national and state agencies) for sustainable operations of clean plant centers, and nursery certification programs.
Systematic Tier-Based Approach
The clean plant production is based on a 3-4 tier system which includes production and maintenance of foundation materials at the clean plant centers (CPCs) and its multiplication under the nursery stock certification system.
Stackholders Benefits
Farmers
Higher Yields, Better Returns
CPP empowers farmers by providing high-quality planting material—resulting in healthier and sustainable crops, increased yields and better market prices. More produce, more profit!
Nurseries
Propagating the Future
With streamlined certification processes and robust infrastructure support, nurseries can efficiently produce certified clean planting material—laying the foundation for long-term sustainability, profitability, and sector-wide growth.
Consumers
Taste the Difference
CPP delivers fruits enriched with superior taste, appearance, and nutrition—offering healthier, safer choices for you and your family.
Exports
Fruitful Exports, Global Impact
By supplying premium fruits, the CPP positions India as a reliable source in global markets
Process of production of clean planting material
