Cluster Development Programme (CDP)

Quick Facts

• Purpose: To leverage geographical specialisation of horticulture clusters and promote integrated development of pre-production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.
• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Benefits: Financial Assistance up to 100 crore for Mega, 50 crore for Midi, and 25 crore for Mini types of clusters.
• Implementing Agency: National Horticulture Board (NHB)

Objective 

• CDP aims to improve exports of targeted crops by about 20% and create cluster-specific brands to enhance the competitiveness of cluster crops.

Salient Features

Beneficiaries: All stakeholders in value chain including farmers/producers, traders, aggregators, etc. Coverage of CDP: Develop existing and potential clusters, classified as Mega, Midi, or Mini based on area.  Programme Implementation Structure  National Horticulture Board (NHB): Provides funds and oversees implementation.  Cluster Development Agency (CDA): Appointed by State/Central Government for each identified cluster to implement the CDP.   Cluster Development Cell (CDC): A dedicated team within CDA to ensure smooth implementation.  Implementing Agencies (IAs): Selected transparently via Call for Proposals for different cluster verticals.  Key Interventions under CDP  Pre-production & Production: Capacity-building, planting material, crop-care practices, and farm mechanisation until harvest.  Post-harvest Management & Value Addition: Focus on handling, storage, value addition, and packaging at the cluster level.  Logistics, Marketing & Branding: Ensures efficient logistics, market linkage, cluster branding, and outreach for domestic/export markets.  CDP SURAKSHA: For instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by utilising the e-RUPI voucher from the NPCI.