Government Interventions and Protected Cultivation: A Central Rajasthan Perspective

Abstract

Protected cultivation using polyhouses, shade nets, drip irrigation, and greenhouse farming has emerged as a key strategy to boost productivity, reduce climate risks, and raise farmer incomes. To promote adoption, the Government of India and Rajasthan have introduced schemes like NHM, RKVY, and MIDH, offering subsidies, credit support, and training. For the analysis of the objectives of Government Policies, Subsidies, and Support Programs were examined relevant to Horticulture and Protected Cultivation in Central Rajasthan. Semi-arid Central Rajasthan, with erratic rainfall and poor soils, has been a focus under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) through subsidies, training, and technical support. Farmer feedback indicated 62.56% learned of NHM via government extension services, while 12.42% were informed by peers. Over half had limited prior knowledge of protected cultivation, yet all attended training. NHM subsidies covering 51–75% of initial investment enabled polyhouse establishment, resulting in higher yields, improved produce quality, and better market access. Challenges included high initial costs, technical gaps, maintenance issues, and lack of collateral (27.53%). To improve sustainability, the study recommends advanced training, timely financial support, quality input access, and technical advisory networks. Strengthening cooperatives, market linkages, infrastructure, tailored credit, and insurance, supported by research, awareness campaigns, and monitoring, will enhance adoption and ensure long-term viability for sustainable horticultural development in Central Rajasthan.