Horticulture is an important part of India's agricultural industry, helping to improve food security, increase income, and create a lot of employment opportunities. In world ranking India stands 2^nd in horticulture crop production. But this sector can grow further and have a better export opportunity. The availability of high-quality disease-free planting materials, proper pests and diseases control measures, innovative cultivation practices and post-harvest measures for managing crops after harvest are the prime focus of the Government to meet the growing demand for horticulture production. Also, the wide range of plants and fields in the country has the potential to grow even more. As a way to meet these needs, the Indian Government has started the ambitious Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme. This important project is expected to lead to growth that will improve India's horticulture scenario and make the country richer in the future.The effort, as outlined in the 2023-24 Union Budget, seeks to focus disease-free and superior planting material for esteemed horticultural crops. The programme proposed to start 10 "Clean Plant Centres" across the nation, with a budget allocation of Rs. 2,200 crore spread over a period of seven years. These centres will actively participate in research, diagnostics, and therapies, consequently enhancing the accessibility of certified planting material and diminishing the duration of quarantine periods. This programme has the potential to bolster India's agricultural economy, foster sustainable practises, and enhance the country's international position in horticultural commerce through the improvement of quality and production of horticultural crops. This paper provides an overview of the strategies employed by the programme, examines the advantages it offers to both farmers and consumers. This program bears a resemblance to the comparable programmes like National Clean Plant Network implemented in the United States. It emphasises the importance of India's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and enhance competitiveness within the horticulture industry. This article additionally examines the responsibilities and opportunities as well of the financial institutions to support and onboard the participants involved in the implementation of this program.

Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme, Disease-Free Planting Material, Horticultural Commerce, Horticulture Growth, scope for financing

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, https://agricoop.gov.in/

National Clean Plant Network, https://nationalcleanplantnetwork.org/

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, https://apeda.gov.in/

Indian Council of Agricultural Research, https://krishi.icar.gov.in/