Innovative and Successful Programmes for Horticulture Development in State :

1. Centre of Excellence for Horticultural Crops:

State has established six different “Centre of Excellence” for demonstration of modern intensive crop cultivation technology, post harvest management practices and human resource development facilities for farmers and extension workers. The objective of these centers is to enhance the mutual exchange of knowledge, technology and guide the farmers with appropriate technology. The details are as under:  Centre of Excellence for citrus (Mandarin), Kota  Centre of Excellence for Pomegranate Bassi, Jaipur Center of Excellence for Date Palm (HRD· & PHM), Sagra-Bhojka, Jaisalmer  Centre of Excellence for Guava, Devdawas, Tonk·  Centre of Excellence for Citrus, Spices & Medicinal plants, Jhalawar  Centre of Excellence for Aonla, Mango, Ber, Olive, Guava Khemri, Dholpur.

 2. Olive Cultivation:

State is developing Olive hubs in different regions. Rajasthan Olive Cultivation Limited (ROCL) was constituted in April 2007 in collaboration with the Rajasthan State Agriculture Marketing Board (RSAMB), Finolex Plasson Industries Limited (EPIL) & Indolive Limited of Israel to study the technical feasibility and economic viability of olive cultivation in the State. Seven olive farms have been developed on State owned land in various parts of the State on a total area of 182 hectares. For this 1.12 lakh plants of seven different olive varieties namely Barnea, Arbequina, Cortina, Picholine, Picual, Coraniki & Frontoy were imported from Israel. Olive plantation was started from March 2008 and completed in 2010 at following seven different locations of the state.  Bassi (Jaipur) – 2.00 ha  Bakalia (Nagaur) – 30.00 ha  Santhu (Jalore) – 30.00 ha  Barore (Bikaner) – 30.00 ha  Lunkaransar (Bikaner) – 30.00 ha  Tinkirudi (Alwar) – 30.00 ha  Basbasina (Jhunjhunu) – 30.00 ha.  An Olive oil extraction unit was also commissioned in 2013. Fruiting of plants took place in last two seasons and oil extraction has also begun in the State. Now, horizontal expansion on farmer’s field has been started.

3. International Horticulture Innovation and training centre (IHITC):

The State Government has set up International Horticulture Innovation and Training Centre (IHITC) with the technical support of PTC+ International; Netherland to provide practical training on modern hi-tech horticulture aspects in order to promote commercial horticulture. For this MOU between Rajasthan Horticulture and Nursery society (RAJHANS) and PTC+ International was signed on 27.07.2008 and IHITC was registered under Societies registration Act 1958 on 12.09.2008 .

4. Award to the farmers:

In order to promote hi-tech agriculture, innovation and modern practices in the Sector, the State Government had started a program for awarding farmers in the year 2009. Under this program, two farmers at the State level, two farmers from each of the district and two farmers from each of the block are selected for award. An award of Rs. 50,000 for every farmer selected at the state level, Rs. 25,000 for every farmer selected at the district level and Rs. 10,000 for every farmer selected at the block level is given. For the year 2014-15 total 496 farmers were awarded in the State.

 5. Farmer to Farmer Extension System:

To accelerate the rate of adoption of new / innovative practices of Agriculture, Horticulture and Dairy technology by farmers, “farmer to farmer extension approach” is being used in the state. In this approach "Specialist Farmers" are selected who in turn become leader farmer for other farmers. In every district 10 progressive farmers have been selected under this program. The technology adopted by Specialist farmer is further demonstrated amongst other famers. Specialist farmers are invited in different types of trainings conducted by various Departments, in which they share experience and knowledge with other farmers and extension workers. Various departments also arrange visit of farmers to the fields of “specialist farmers” for field exposure.

6. Date Palm Cultivation:

This scheme started at farmer's field in the year 2008-09. 750 Ha. area covered under farmer field and 130 Ha. at Govt. farm. Plants have been imported from Saudi Arabia and secondary hardening has been done in the state. Fruiting has started on Govt. farms. A tissue culture lab has also been setup for preparing good quality planting material.

7. Solar Pump Programme:

The State is a leader in installing Solar Pumps for drawing underground water for irrigation of agricultural fields. In the state Pilot project on Solar Pump started in the year 2010-11. So far, 15075 pumps have been installed in the State.

To popularise high value horticulture, the  state government launched a series of events to showcase technological demonstrations and attract investments.