❖ India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan deal.

❖ It aims to improve the horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials.

❖ The project supports the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) that enhances plant health management.

❖ CPP is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

❖ It will be implemented from 2024 to 2030 with 50% financial assistance from ADB.

❖ Horticulture occupies 18% of agricultural land and accounts for 33% of the gross value of agricultural GDP.