Updated guidelines increase financial assistance for orange, kinnow, cumin and isabgol cultivation while promoting technology-driven horticulture and stronger farm value chains

New Delhi, July 28, 2026: The Government of India has revised the operational guidelines of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to provide enhanced support for horticulture crops, addressing rising cultivation costs and encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.

The revised framework increases cost norms for crops including orange, kinnow, cumin and isabgol, supporting farmers with improved planting material, scientific cultivation practices, irrigation systems and value-chain development.

The move is expected to strengthen India’s horticulture supply chain while creating opportunities for the hospitality, food & beverage, food processing and agri-tourism sectors through improved availability of quality fruits, spices and specialty crops.

Key Highlights

• MIDH guidelines revised in 2025 considering rising input costs in horticulture cultivation.
• Enhanced support introduced for:
  • Citrus crops including orange and kinnow
  • Seed spices including cumin
  • Medicinal and aromatic crops including isabgol
• New guidelines incorporate modern horticulture technologies and improved cultivation practices.
• Higher cost norms introduced for orchard establishment, high-density plantations and value-chain development.
• Support continues with subsidy assistance of 40% in general areas and 50% in North Eastern and hilly regions.

Higher Support for Orange and Kinnow Orchards

Citrus cultivation, including orange and kinnow, requires significant investment in quality planting material, irrigation systems and orchard management.

Under the revised MIDH guidelines:

• Cost norms for regular spacing orchard establishment increased to ₹1.25 lakh per hectare.
• Support for high-density plantations increased to ₹2 lakh per hectare.
• Ultra-high-density plantations introduced with support of ₹3 lakh per hectare.
• Subsidy support continues at 40% for general areas and 50% for NE and hilly regions.

The revised provisions aim to encourage modern orchard practices, improve productivity and enhance the quality of citrus production.

Boost to Scientific Cumin Cultivation

Cumin cultivation has also received enhanced support under the revised guidelines.

Earlier:

• Cost norm was ₹30,000 per hectare.

Under the updated guidelines:

• Cost norm increased to ₹50,000 per hectare.
• Support extended towards:
  • Improved seeds
  • Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Scientific cultivation practices

The move aims to improve productivity and strengthen India’s spice value chain.

Isabgol and Medicinal Crops Added to MIDH Support Framework

The revised guidelines have expanded assistance for medicinal and aromatic plants, including isabgol cultivation, which was not covered under earlier provisions.

New support includes:

• Cost norm of ₹1.50 lakh per hectare.
• Assistance for:
  • Quality planting material
  • Cultivation practices
  • Value-chain development

The initiative is expected to encourage diversification into high-value crops and strengthen links between farmers and processing industries.

Impact on Hospitality, Food & Beverage and Tourism Industry

The enhanced horticulture support under MIDH can positively influence India’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem.

1. Improved Supply of Premium Ingredients

Hotels, restaurants and food businesses can benefit from better availability of quality citrus fruits, spices and specialty agricultural products.

2. Strengthening Farm-to-Table Experiences

Growth in organised horticulture production can support farm-based culinary experiences, regional food tourism and sustainable sourcing models.

3. Opportunities for Indian Spice and Beverage Innovation

Improved cumin production and medicinal crop cultivation can encourage innovation in:

• Spice-based cuisines
• Herbal beverages
• Wellness menus
• Functional food products

4. Support for Food Processing Sector

Enhanced cultivation and value-chain development can create opportunities for processing industries involved in:

• Fruit products
• Spice processing
• Natural ingredients
• Herbal products

5. Boost to Agri-Tourism

High-value horticulture farms can become destinations for experiential tourism through orchard visits, farm stays and local food experiences.

Disaster Relief Framework for Horticulture Losses

The government also highlighted that under the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), state governments are primarily responsible for providing relief measures during notified natural calamities.

Relief assistance is provided through:

• State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for calamities of severe nature

The financial assistance provided under SDRF and NDRF is intended as relief support and not compensation.

Government Focus on Technology-Led Horticulture Growth

The revised MIDH guidelines reflect the government’s focus on increasing productivity, improving farm incomes and promoting technology adoption across the horticulture sector.

For India’s hospitality and tourism industry, stronger horticulture production can help create deeper connections between farmers, chefs, hotels and travellers by promoting regional flavours, sustainable sourcing and authentic culinary experiences.