Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s efforts of making agriculture profitable have started bearing fruits. Every possible effort is being made to develop horticulture sector.

In the series, a horticulture corridor is being developed for protected farming on Bhopal-Indore National Highway. The National Highway passes through Dewas, Shajapur and Ujjain where horticulture corridor is being developed.

Under the scheme of horticulture corridor, beneficiaries are being given 50 per cent subsidy of the cost for establishing naturally ventilated poly-house on up to 4000 square meters, construction of insect-proof shadenet house, plantation of flowers in polyhouse and vegetables in shadenet house and plantation of wind breakers (bamboo).

There is also a provision for insurance of structure. The highly qualitative structures are being constructed by Jain Irrigation System limited, Jalagon. The scheme of horticulture corridor will promote production of quality flowers and vegetables and will also generate employment opportunities.

Burhanpur, Shajapur, Ujjain and Mandsaur have been included in horticulture hub policy being implemented for horticulture extension in the state. The project will be implemented under PPP mode. Apart from post-crop management, arrangements for grading, budding and cold chain will also be made under it. Project’s successful implementation will provide a definite market and backward & forward linkages. Establishment of horticulture hub will provide a single platform for horticulture and allied sectors’ marketing and food processing.

A better food processing policy is being implemented in the state compared to other states to promote food process and invite investment. So far, 31 new cold storages have been established in 15 districts with total storage capacity of 1.97 lakh MT.

Ten new cold storages will be established in the current fiscal. In year 2012-13, investment worth Rs 86 crore was made and Rs 114 crore in year 2013-14.