National Horticulture Board introduces simplified process for filing & approval of applications under Subsidy Schemes

New Delhi: The National Horticulture Board (NHB) has introduced a simplified process for filing and approval of applications under its Subsidy Schemes. The new system will cut down sanction time from 6 to 8 months to less than 100 days, which will greatly help the farming community. Agriculture Ministry said that the new scheme design will be effective from today, March 15. 

The Ministry said, the decision has been taken after considering the demand of the farming community to simplify the documentation and sanctioning process. The NHB under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare operates back-ended capital investment subsidy schemes for the promotion of commercial horticulture and cold chain infrastructure in the country. Under these Schemes, subsidy from 35 to 50 percent is provided for various components as per



prescribed cost norms.

According to new simplified scheme, National Horticulture Board has now done away with two stage system of In-Principle Approval and Grant of Clearance. In-Principle Approval will not be needed now and the applicant will apply straightaway for a Grant of Clearance to NHB after the sanction of term loan by the bank. 

The term loan sanctioned within three months from the date of online application to NHB will be treated valid. Minimum documents are now required for seeking Letter of Comfort and Grant of Clearance. The processing of application will be completely digital, including examination and sanction of applications. The stage of inspection of the location for Grant of Clearance has been replaced with a mobile app based self-inspection.