**Policy Summary: Commercialization of Centres of Excellence for Fruits and Vegetables under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)**
The Union Government, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, is supporting the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for fruits and vegetables through the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). These CoEs aim to serve as hubs for demonstration, training, and dissemination of the latest technologies in horticultural production, with a focus on capacity building, production of planting material, and adoption of new technologies. The primary objective is to transfer knowledge and practical skills to farmers, entrepreneurs, and extension workers to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability within the horticulture sector.
As of July 31, 2025, a total of 58 Centres of Excellence have been approved across various states in the country. The establishment of these CoEs is facilitated through bilateral cooperation agreements with countries including Israel, Netherlands, and New Zealand, as well as with technical assistance from Indian Research Institutes. Specifically, the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) utilizes Israeli technology and expertise within the CoEs to enhance productivity, improve water use efficiency, and ensure quality produce.
The state-wise distribution of the 58 approved CoEs is as follows: Andhra Pradesh (2), Assam (1), Bihar (2), Goa (1), Gujarat (4), Haryana (6), Himachal Pradesh (1), Jammu & Kashmir UT (2), Karnataka (5), Kerala (1), Ladakh UT (1), Maharashtra (7), Madhya Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (1), Mizoram (1), Odisha (1), Punjab (6), Rajasthan (3), Tamil Nadu (2), Telangana (1), Tripura (2), Uttarakhand (1), Uttar Pradesh (4), and West Bengal (1).
According to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, there is currently no proposal under consideration for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for horticulture in the Mangaluru region of Karnataka.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Agriculture Farmers Welfare: The Indian government ministry responsible for agriculture and farmers' welfare.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture MIDH: A program by the Union Government to support the horticulture sector.
Centres of Excellence CoEs: Hubs for demonstration, training, and dissemination of the latest technologies in horticultural production.
Israel: A country with which the Government of India has a bilateral cooperation agreement for agriculture, including horticulture development.
Netherlands: A country with which the Government of India has a bilateral cooperation agreement for establishment of Centres of Excellence
New Zealand: A country with which the Government of India has a bilateral cooperation agreement for establishment of Centres of Excellence
IndoIsrael Agricultural Project IIAP: A project facilitating the establishment of Centres of Excellence using Israeli technology.
Shri Ramnath Thakur: Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare who provided information in Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
COMMERCIALISATION OF CENTRES OF
EXCELLENCES FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Posted On: 05 AUG 2025 4:43PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Government, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), provides
support for setting up of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for fruits and vegetables in collaboration with various
stakeholders including bilateral partners. The Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in horticulture are established
with the aim of serving as hubs for demonstration, training, and dissemination of the latest technologies in
horticultural production by promoting capacity building, production of planting material and adoption of new
technologies in horticulture sector. The primary objective of CoEs is to transfer knowledge and practical
skills to farmers, entrepreneurs, and extension workers, thereby enhancing productivity, quality, and
sustainability in the horticulture sector. By showcasing modern innovations and providing hands-on training,
CoEs play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and field-level adoption. Government of India has
entered into bilateral cooperation agreement with Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand for establishment of
CoEs. Besides, CoEs are also established with technical assistance from Indian Research Institutes.
Under MIDH, a total of 58 Centres of Excellence have been approved across various States in the country.
The state-wise details of CoEs approved as on 31.07.2025 including for Himachal Pradesh are as under:
S. No. State No. of CoE
1. Andhra Pradesh 2
2. Assam 1
3. Bihar 2
4. Goa 1
5. Gujarat 4
6. Haryana 6
7. Himachal Pradesh 1
8. Jammu & Kashmir (UT) 2
9. Karnataka 5
10. Kerala 1
11. Ladakh (UT) 1
12. Maharashtra 7
13. Madhya Pradesh 2
14. Meghalaya 1
15. Mizoram 1
16. Odisha 1
17. Punjab 6
18. Rajasthan 3
19. Tamil Nadu 2
20. Telangana 121. Tripura 2
22. Uttarakhand 1
23. Uttar Pradesh 4
24. West Bengal 1
Total 58
The Government of India has entered into a bilateral agreement with the Government of Israel for cooperation
in agriculture, which includes horticulture development and fruit production. Under this collaboration, the
Indo-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP) has facilitated the establishment of Centres of Excellence across
various States. These CoEs incorporate Israeli technology and know-how to enhance productivity, improve
water use efficiency and ensure quality produce.
There is no proposal for establishment of a Centre of Excellence for horticulture in the Mangaluru region of
Karnataka, under consideration of the Government.
This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur
in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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RC/ KSR/AR
(Release ID: 2152569)