The Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Program (CPP).
It is aimed at increasing the yield and productivity of horticulture crops in India.
The CPP is also targeted at enhancing the quality of fruit crops across the nation.
The programme has three main components geared towards helping farmers obtain virus-free, high-quality planting material to increase crop yields and improve income opportunities.
India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world after China.
From 2013-14 to 2023-24, the area under horticulture crops has risen from 24 million hectares to 28.63 million hectares.
Its Production has increased from 277.4 million metric tonnes (mt) to 352 million mt.
India is also a major importer and exporter of fresh fruits.
In the financial year 2023-24, India exported fresh fruits worth $1.15 billion, while it imported fruits worth $2.73 billion.