Latest news with #ClusterDevelopmentProgramme
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Development of Pollachi Coconut Cluster by National Horticulture Board at a cost of ₹250 crore on anvil
The Horticulture Department has unveiled a ₹250-crore Central government project for development of Pollachi Coconut Cluster, entailing ₹100-crore subsidy, under three verticals: pre-production and production; post-harvest management and value addition; and logistics, marketing and branding. The project is to be implemented under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) of National Horticulture Board, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Entities eligible for becoming Implementing Agency (ies) include Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs/ FPCs) and their federations, cooperatives/societies, partnership firms, proprietorship firms, companies, State Agriculture and Marketing Boards and Federations and other Public Sector entities of Central/State Governments. The Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency (TANHODA), as the Cluster Development Agency (CDA) has invited proposals for implementation of Cluster Development Programme for Pollachi Coconut Cluster through online portal ( before June 25, 2025. The information was shared by the Deputy Director of Horticulture P. Siddharthan with a gathering of farmers at the start of the agriculture grievances redress meeting chaired by the District Collector Pawankumar G. Giriyappanavar on Friday. Further information on the programme and on the procedure for submitting the 'Call for Proposals' could be sourced from the websites: and Mr. Siddharthan said guidance could be obtained from Assistant Directors of Horticulture at Anamalai (Ph.9865905505), Pollachi North (9488226159) and Pollachi South (9443059186) The Union Ministry has identified 55 horticulture clusters of which Pollachi is one among the 12 clusters selected for pilot launch. The Pollachi Coconut Cluster falls under the mega category of cluster, based on the area parameter - more than 15,000 hectares - for financial assistance up to ₹100 crore. Earlier in the day, a mobile soil testing station sanctioned for Coimbatore under National Agriculture Development Programme was flagged off by the District Collector. The mobile soil testing laboratory costing ₹ 75 lakh will be utilised to conduct 12 camps per month - three per week - at villages, Joint Director of Agriculture Krishnaveni said. Through the camps, farmers will be provided with guidance to utilise fertilizers suiting the soil conditions for increasing crop yield and return on investment. Soil health cards will be provided to the farmers on the very day of testing. A fee of ₹ 30 will be charged for each sample analysis. Villages brought under Kalaignarin All Village Integrated Agriculture Development Programme (KAVIADP) will be accorded priority.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Grants allocated, but Ludhiana lags on industry clusters
1 2 3 Ludhiana: Despite significant financial incentives from the central government under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP), Punjab's industrial sector has largely failed to leverage the scheme, falling behind other states in forming functional industry clusters. The CDP, a flagship initiative of the ministry of MSME, offers substantial grants, often worth crores, for setting up common facility centres (CFCs) for groups of similar industries. These clusters are intended to reduce input costs, streamline operations, and share resources such as advanced machinery and skilled manpower. However, in Punjab, and especially in Ludhiana, progress has been slow and disappointing. Only two clusters have been successfully established in the state so far, with Oil Expeller and Parts Cluster, other than Hi Tech Metal Cluster. Another proposed cluster, focused on sewing machine manufacturers, has remained in limbo for years. Another project related to printing industry was shelved despite receiving government approval and promised funding of Rs 15 crore. According to Bhupinder Singh, functional manager at the District Industries Centre (DIC), the primary reason behind this lacklustre performance is the industry's unprofessional approach. "States like Haryana and those in South India are tapping into the Centre's grants effectively by forming professional, cooperative clusters. In contrast, Punjab has only two functional clusters, mainly due to the industry's inability to meet the required standards and commitment levels," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Best-Paying Degrees of 2025 Are Not What You Think Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads Learn More Undo Echoing these concerns, Kamal Chopra, chairman of World Print Communication Forum and a Ludhiana native, said the printing cluster was a lost opportunity due to internal discord. "We had the government's approval and were on track to receive Rs 15 crore in support. But ultimately, the plan collapsed because of mistrust among the stakeholders. Members backed out, fearing others might benefit more than themselves," Chopra said. Chopra, who also served as president, All India Federation Of Master Printers, earlier has been involved in successful cluster developments in other regions. "It is disheartening that while other states are embracing collaboration for mutual growth, industries in Punjab remain divided. If every stakeholder only asks, 'What's in it for me?' without trusting others, these collaborative models will never take off," he said. He emphasised that for any industry to grow, individual businesses must look beyond personal gain and work collectively. "Trust and cooperation are the foundations of successful clusters. It's high time Punjab's industrialists adopt a more inclusive mindset," Chopra urged. As industrial competition intensifies nationally and globally, Punjab risks being left behind unless its businesses come together to utilise the government support effectively.
