National Horticulture Mission 2026 – Subsidy Guide & Apply
National Horticulture Mission 2026 (NHM), implemented under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), is India’s most comprehensive government subsidy programme for horticulture infrastructure — offering up to 50% subsidy on greenhouses, net houses, polyhouses, and cold storage construction for eligible farmers and agri-entrepreneurs across all Indian states. Whether you want to build a 500 sq. meter shade net house on your farm in Bihar, set up a commercial 2-acre polyhouse in Maharashtra, or construct a 5,000 MT cold storage facility in Rajasthan, NHM 2026 has a funded pathway for you. This complete guide covers everything: NHM subsidy rates for greenhouse, net house and cold storage, cost norms, state-wise support levels, eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step application process for both NHM and NHB schemes in 2026.
- What is National Horticulture Mission 2026?
- NHM Subsidy Rates – Greenhouse, Net House & Cold Storage
- NHM vs NHB: Which Scheme Should You Apply For?
- Greenhouse & Net House Subsidy – Cost Norms & Maximum Amounts
- Cold Storage Subsidy 2026 – Rates, Capacity & Add-on Benefits
- NHM 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Farmers, FPOs & Entrepreneurs
- Documents Required for NHM Subsidy Application
- How to Apply for NHM/NHB Subsidy 2026 – Step by Step
- Who Should Apply for National Horticulture Mission 2026?
- NHM vs RKVY – Comparison for Horticulture Investment
- High-Value Horticulture Scheme Terms You Must Know
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Scheme Name | National Horticulture Mission (NHM) under MIDH |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India |
| Implementing Body | State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) / NHB (for large projects) |
| Greenhouse / Net House Subsidy | Up to 50% of project cost (NHM & NHB) |
| Max NHB Subsidy (Protected Cultivation) | Rs.56 lakh per project |
| Cold Storage Subsidy (General Area) | 35% (NHM) / 40% (NHB) of capital cost |
| Cold Storage Subsidy (NE & Hilly States) | 50% (NHM) / 55% (NHB) of capital cost |
| Max Cold Storage Project Subsidy (NHB) | Rs.7.50 crore per project |
| Funding Pattern (MIDH) | 60:40 (Centre:State); 90:10 for NE & Himalayan States |
| NHM Covered States/UTs | 18 States & 6 Union Territories |
| Subsidy Type | Credit-linked, back-ended (bank-routed) |
| Official Portals | midh.gov.in / nhb.gov.in |
What is National Horticulture Mission 2026?
The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is an Indian government horticulture development scheme that was originally launched in 2005-06 under the 10th Five Year Plan and subsequently integrated into the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) from 2014-15. MIDH is India’s umbrella Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector — covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo across all states and Union Territories.
Under MIDH, the Government of India contributes 60% of the total outlay for developmental programmes in general states (states contribute 40%), while for North Eastern and Himalayan states the central share is 90%. For programmes implemented directly by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board (CDB), and national-level agencies, the GOI contribution is 100%. NHM specifically focuses on 18 states and 6 Union Territories and is implemented through State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) at the district level — making it the most accessible government subsidy channel for small and medium horticulture farmers.
In 2026, India is the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables (after China) with horticulture contributing approximately 33% to agricultural GDP. The National Horticulture Mission 2026 plays a critical role in modernising India’s protected cultivation ecosystem — greenhouse and polyhouse farming delivers 5–10x higher yields compared to open-field farming, with 50–70% water savings through drip and fertigation systems — making NHM subsidies one of the most financially impactful government schemes available to Indian farmers today.
NHM Subsidy Rates – Greenhouse, Net House & Cold Storage 2026
The National Horticulture Mission 2026 provides subsidies across 3 main infrastructure categories. Below is a consolidated subsidy rate table covering all major components:
| Component | Scheme | Subsidy – General Areas | Subsidy – NE/Hilly/Scheduled Areas | Maximum Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse / Polyhouse (protected cultivation) | NHM/MIDH | 50% of project cost | 50% of project cost | As per NHM cost norms |
| Shade Net House / Net House | NHM/MIDH | 50% of project cost | 50% of project cost | As per NHM cost norms |
| Protected Cultivation (Commercial, large scale) | NHB | 50% of project cost | 50% of project cost | Rs.56 lakh per project |
| Open Field Horticulture (Commercial) | NHB | 40% of project cost | 50% of project cost | Rs.30 lakh (general) / Rs.37.50 lakh (NE) |
| Cold Storage (up to 5,000 MT) | NHM/MIDH | 35% of capital cost | 50% of capital cost | Subject to NHM cost norms |
| Cold Storage (5,000–10,000 MT) | NHB | 35% of capital cost | 50% of capital cost | Rs.7.50 crore per project |
| Cold Storage – NHB (up to 5,000 MT) | NHB | 40% of capital cost | 55% of capital cost | Rs.7.50 crore per project |
| Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Generator (add-on) | NHB | As per scheme | As per scheme | Rs.1.25 crore per unit |
| Specialized CA Doors (add-on) | NHB | As per scheme | As per scheme | Rs.2.5 lakh per door |
| Integrated Post Harvest Management (PHM) | NHB | 50% of project cost | 50% of project cost | Rs.56 lakh per project |
Important Note on Cost Norms: The government subsidy is calculated not on your actual construction cost but on the government-prescribed “Cost Norm” per square meter or per MT of storage capacity. Since market construction rates are often higher than government cost norms, your effective subsidy as a percentage of actual spend may work out to 35–40% in practice. Always budget an additional 15–20% above government cost norms to account for this gap.
NHM vs NHB: Which Scheme Should You Apply For in 2026?
Both NHM and NHB are sub-schemes under the MIDH umbrella, but they serve different project sizes and application routes. A critical rule: NHM and NHB are mutually exclusive — you cannot claim both for the same project. Choosing the right scheme is the most important first step in your subsidy journey:
| Parameter | NHM (National Horticulture Mission) | NHB (National Horticulture Board) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small and medium farmers; village/district-level projects | Large commercial horticulture entrepreneurs |
| Min. Project Area (Protected) | 500 sq. meters (1,000 sq. m in NE) | 2,500 sq. meters (1,000 sq. m in NE) |
| Max. Subsidy (Protected Cultivation) | As per state NHM cost norms | Rs.56 lakh per project |
| Max. Subsidy (Cold Storage) | Up to 5,000 MT capacity (35–50%) | Up to 10,000 MT capacity (Rs.7.50 crore) |
| Application Route | District Horticulture Officer (DHO) / State portal | Online at nhb.gov.in; NHB field offices |
| Processing Fee | Nil (state-managed) | Rs.5,000–Rs.10,000 (online) |
| Credit Linkage | Mandatory (bank term loan required) | Mandatory for most; waived in NE states for some |
| Subsidy Release | Through State Horticulture Mission → Bank | Via NHB State Office / HQ → Bank |
| LOI Validity | State-specific (usually 1 year) | 1 year from issue; project completion within 2 years |
Greenhouse & Net House Subsidy 2026 – Cost Norms & Maximum Amounts
Protected cultivation — greenhouses, polyhouses, shade net houses, and plastic tunnels — is the fastest-growing segment of India’s horticulture infrastructure investment, driven by National Horticulture Mission subsidies. In 2026, polyhouse farming for high-value crops like roses, gerbera, capsicum, cucumber, tomato, and exotic vegetables commands premium prices at domestic markets and for export, making the NHM greenhouse subsidy one of the most commercially viable government schemes for agri-entrepreneurs.
Under the NHB protected cultivation scheme, the subsidy covers these specific components:
- 🏗️ Greenhouse structure construction (fanpad type, naturally ventilated, low-cost) — cost norms per sq. meter set by NHB
- 🌿 Shade net house / net house structure — for vegetables, flowers, and nursery material
- 🪴 Plastic mulching — for open-field and semi-protected horticulture
- 🌡️ Plastic tunnels — low-cost protected cultivation for smallholders
- 🐦 Anti-bird / anti-hail nets — to protect orchards and high-value produce
- 💧 Planting material — certified/tissue culture planting material for flowers and vegetables
- 🚿 Drip and fertigation systems — micro-irrigation for polyhouse crops
- ⚙️ Mechanisation for polyhouse operations — planting, harvesting, grading equipment
| Structure Type | Minimum Area Eligible | Scheme | Subsidy Rate | State Top-Up (Example) | Effective Total Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cost naturally ventilated polyhouse | 500 sq. m | NHM | 50% | 15–20% (Haryana) | Up to 65–70% |
| Fan & pad / hi-tech greenhouse | 2,500 sq. m | NHB | 50% (max Rs.56 lakh) | Varies by state | 50%+ (central alone) |
| Shade net house | 500 sq. m | NHM | 50% | Varies by state | Up to 65% |
| Plastic tunnel | 500 sq. m | NHM | 50% | — | 50% |
| Anti-hail / anti-bird net | As per project | NHB/NHM | 50% | — | 50% |
For a standard 1-acre (approximately 4,000 sq. meter) polyhouse project costing ₹35 lakh at market rates, the NHB subsidy of 50% on the applicable cost norm translates to approximately Rs.17–18 lakh in actual subsidy credited to your bank loan account. If your state offers an additional 15% top-up under its own horticulture scheme, total government support can reach Rs.22–24 lakh on a single project — making protected cultivation financially accessible even for first-generation agri-entrepreneurs.
Cold Storage Subsidy 2026 – Rates, Capacity & Add-on Benefits
India loses an estimated 15–20% of its horticulture produce to post-harvest deterioration every year — cold storage infrastructure is therefore a high-priority investment area under the National Horticulture Mission 2026. Both NHM (through MIDH) and NHB provide capital investment subsidies for cold storage construction, expansion, and modernisation to reduce these post-harvest losses and improve value realisation for farmers.
| Cold Storage Type | Scheme | Capacity Eligible | Subsidy – General | Subsidy – NE/Hilly | Max Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-chamber cold storage (new) | NHM/MIDH | Up to 5,000 MT | 35% of capital cost | 50% of capital cost | MIDH cost norms |
| Cold storage – all types (up to 5,000 MT) | NHB | Up to 5,000 MT | 40% of capital cost | 55% of capital cost | Rs.7.50 crore |
| Cold storage (5,000–10,000 MT) | NHB | 5,001–10,000 MT | 35% of capital cost | 50% of capital cost | Rs.7.50 crore |
| Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Store | NHB | As per NHB protocols | As per NHB | As per NHB | Rs.1.25 crore/unit (CA gen.) |
| Modernisation of existing cold storage | NHB | Existing units | 40% of capital cost | 55% of capital cost | Rs.2.50 crore (modernisation) |
| NE States (small cold storage) | NHB | From 1,000 MT | 50% of capital cost | N/A (NE already covered) | Rs.7.50 crore |
Eligible cold storage projects under NHB include: new multi-chamber cold storage units with energy-efficient technologies, thermal insulation, humidity control, advanced cooling systems, and NCCD (National Centre for Cold-chain Development) approved specifications; Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores as per NHB protocols; modernisation of existing cold storages; and pre-cooling units, reefer vans, pack houses, and ripening chambers as part of Integrated Post-Harvest Management (PHM) projects.
The NHB cold storage scheme also provides additional technology add-on subsidies: CA Generator — up to Rs.1.25 crore per unit; specialised CA Doors — up to Rs.2.5 lakh per door. For a typical 1,000 MT cold storage project in a general area costing approximately Rs.1.5–2 crore, the 40% NHB subsidy translates to Rs.60–80 lakh — a massive reduction in capital burden for private cold chain investors.
NHM 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Farmers, FPOs & Entrepreneurs
National Horticulture Mission 2026 has a broad eligibility framework designed to include small farmers, large commercial operators, and institutional beneficiaries:
- ✅ Individual Farmers: Any farmer with clear land title or registered leasehold rights can apply. Small and marginal farmers (below 2 hectares) are given priority and often receive the maximum subsidy percentage available under state NHM programmes.
- ✅ Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): Registered FPOs/FPCs can apply for cold storage, pack house, and post-harvest management subsidies. FPOs often qualify for higher project sizes and better loan terms from NABARD-refinanced banks.
- ✅ Self Help Groups (SHGs) & Cooperatives: Agricultural cooperatives, women’s SHGs, and farmer cooperatives are eligible for NHM subsidies, with SC/ST and women-led groups receiving priority processing.
- ✅ Private Companies & Entrepreneurs: Registered private limited companies, LLPs, and proprietorships can apply for NHB schemes for commercial horticulture and cold storage projects. Applicant must be a registered legal entity in India.
- ✅ Public Sector Units: Public sector companies and government bodies involved in horticulture or cold chain can also access NHB capital investment subsidies.
- ✅ Land Requirement: Applicant must have clear land ownership (7/12 extract or equivalent) or a registered lease of minimum 7–10 years. Only 1 project per family or legal entity is eligible under NHB cold storage scheme.
- ✅ Financial Eligibility: For credit-linked cases, applicant must have a term loan sanctioned by a nationalised bank, scheduled commercial bank, or NABARD-approved financial institution. The eligible subsidy amount is capped at par with the term loan amount.
- ✅ Area Eligibility (Protected Cultivation): Minimum 500 sq. meters for NHM; minimum 2,500 sq. meters for NHB (minimum 1,000 sq. meters for North Eastern states in both cases).
Documents Required for NHM Subsidy Application 2026
Having the right documents ready before applying for National Horticulture Mission 2026 subsidy is critical — a mismatch between your DPR, bank appraisal, and application form is the most common reason for rejection under the NHB scheme. Here is the complete document checklist:
- 📋 Aadhaar Card — for identity and KYC verification (mandatory for all individual applicants)
- 📄 Land Documents — 7/12 extract, Khasra/Khatauni, or registered lease agreement (minimum 7 years for NHB cold storage)
- 🏦 Bank Term Loan Sanction Letter — from a nationalised or scheduled bank sanctioning the project loan (mandatory for credit-linked subsidy claims)
- 📑 Detailed Project Report (DPR) — in NHB-prescribed format for NHB applications; standard format for NHM/SHM. Must match bank appraisal report and application form exactly
- 🗺️ Site Plan and Layout — for cold storage: approved by a registered architect with safety provisions; for greenhouses: vendor/supplier technical drawings
- 💰 Cost Estimates — from registered contractors or equipment suppliers; should align with NHB/NHM cost norms
- 🏢 Bank Appraisal Report — bank’s techno-economic appraisal of the project matching the DPR details exactly
- 📝 Application Form — NHB online application (nhb.gov.in); NHM physical form from District Horticulture Officer
- 🧾 Processing Fee Receipt — Rs.5,000–Rs.10,000 for NHB applications (online payment)
- 🏷️ Caste Certificate — for SC/ST applicants seeking priority processing or additional state benefits
- 🤝 FPO/Company Registration — for institutional applicants: FPC registration certificate, Memorandum & Articles of Association, board resolution
How to Apply for NHM/NHB Subsidy 2026 – Step by Step
Route A: Apply via NHM / State Horticulture Mission (Smaller Projects)
- Contact Your District Horticulture Officer (DHO): Visit your district’s Horticulture Department or State Horticulture Mission office to get the current year’s NHM guidelines, cost norms, and application form. In states with online portals (Haryana: HodaHaryana, Rajasthan: RajKisan, Gujarat: I-Khedut, Maharashtra: MahaDbt), register on the state portal instead.
- Get Project Concept Validated: Before spending money on DPR, get your project idea informally validated by the DHO or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in your area. Confirm that your crop type, area, and project scale are eligible under the current NHM annual action plan for your state.
- Prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR): Draft a DPR covering project description, total cost estimate (structure, planting material, irrigation, other components), funding pattern (own contribution + bank loan), expected yield and income projections, and land details. Use the State Horticulture Mission’s prescribed DPR format.
- Obtain Bank Term Loan Sanction: Approach your nearest nationalised bank (SBI, Bank of Baroda, etc.) or scheduled commercial bank with your DPR. Get an in-principle sanction or formal term loan sanction letter for the project cost minus your own contribution.
- Submit Application to SHM/DHO: Submit your application form along with DPR, bank sanction letter, land documents, Aadhaar, and supporting documents to the SHM or DHO. In states with online portals, upload scanned documents digitally.
- Site Verification and Approval: The DHO or SHM team conducts a site inspection, verifies documents, and forwards the proposal for block-level or district-level approval. A Letter of Intent (LOI) is issued after approval.
- Implement the Project: After receiving the LOI, proceed with construction or purchase within the LOI validity period. Do NOT start physical work before receiving the LOI — this will disqualify your subsidy claim.
- Submit Completion Certificate and Claim Subsidy: After project completion, submit the Joint Inspection Team (JIT) report, completion certificate, asset details, and original invoices. The SHM releases subsidy through the bank, which credits it to your loan account.
Route B: Apply via NHB (Larger Commercial Projects)
- Register on the NHB Portal: Go to nhb.gov.in and register as a new applicant. Choose the relevant scheme — Scheme 1 (Commercial Horticulture/Protected Cultivation) or Scheme 2 (Cold Storage/Capital Investment Subsidy).
- Prepare NHB-Format DPR: The DPR must strictly follow the NHB-prescribed format. All details in the DPR, bank appraisal report, and online application must match exactly — any mismatch results in automatic rejection. Prepare the basic data sheet and technical specifications in NHB-specified formats.
- Obtain Bank Appraisal and Loan Sanction: Get the bank’s formal techno-economic appraisal of your project. The bank appraisal report, project cost, and loan amount must mirror the DPR details perfectly.
- Submit Online Application with Processing Fee: Apply online at nhb.gov.in with all supporting documents. Pay the processing fee of approximately Rs.5,000–Rs.10,000 online. Applications are submitted to the relevant NHB State Office (for projects up to Rs.50 lakh) or NHB HQ, Gurugram (for projects above Rs.50 lakh).
- Receive Letter of Intent (LOI): NHB issues an LOI valid for 1 year. The project must be completed within 2 years from the term loan sanction date. Do not commence any physical construction before the LOI is received.
- Implement and Submit JIT Inspection Request: After completing the project, request a Joint Inspection Team (JIT) visit from the NHB State Office. JIT verifies the physical assets against the DPR and original invoices.
- Subsidy Disbursement: Based on JIT report, NHB’s Competent Committee decides the subsidy amount. For credit-linked cases, subsidy is released to your bank and adjusted against your outstanding loan. For eligible North Eastern state projects, 100% advance subsidy can be claimed before project completion in some cases.
Who Should Apply for National Horticulture Mission 2026?
- 🌹 Flower Farmers (Roses, Gerbera, Orchids, Lilium): Floriculture under protected cultivation commands the highest per sq. meter returns of any horticulture crop. NHM greenhouse subsidies make it possible to set up a 1,000 sq. meter rose or gerbera polyhouse with only 25–30% own investment. States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh are top floriculture hubs with active NHM disbursements.
- 🥦 Vegetable Growers (Capsicum, Cucumber, Tomato, Cherry Tomato): Protected cultivation of exotic and off-season vegetables delivers 5–10x yield improvement over open-field farming. NHM polyhouse subsidies bring the entry cost for a 500 sq. meter capsicum or cucumber polyhouse within reach of marginal farmers earning Rs.3–5 lakh annually.
- ❄️ Cold Chain Entrepreneurs: Private entrepreneurs planning to set up cold storage in fruit and vegetable surplus districts — Nashik (onion), Shimla (apple), Agra (potato), Kolar (tomato) — can access NHB cold storage subsidies of 40–55% with a maximum cap of Rs.7.50 crore per project.
- 🤝 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): FPOs aggregating horticulture produce from multiple farms can access NHM/NHB post-harvest management subsidies for pack houses, ripening chambers, reefer vans, and cold storage — transforming from mere aggregators to full cold-chain service providers.
- 👩🌾 Women Farmers & Women SHGs: Women applicants and women-led SHGs receive priority processing under NHM at the district level, and many states offer additional 5–10% subsidy top-up for women in horticulture under their state-specific schemes.
- 🏔️ Farmers in NE & Himalayan States: With 90:10 central-state funding and 50–55% subsidy on cold storage (vs 35–40% in general areas), farmers in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have the most financially favourable NHM terms in India.
- 🌱 Nursery Operators: Horticulture nurseries producing certified planting material for fruits, vegetables, and flowers can access NHM support for hi-tech nursery infrastructure — tissue culture labs, mist chambers, net house nurseries — under the MIDH planting material component.
- 🏭 Agri-Processing Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs setting up primary processing units (grading, sorting, washing, waxing) alongside cold storage can claim NHB Integrated Post-Harvest Management subsidies of 50% up to Rs.56 lakh per project — one of the highest-value subsidy opportunities in India’s agri-processing sector.
NHM vs RKVY – Comparison for Horticulture Infrastructure Investment 2026
| Parameter | National Horticulture Mission (NHM/NHB) | RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Horticulture infrastructure – greenhouses, cold storage, orchards, nurseries | Broad agriculture development – mechanisation, crop diversification, agri-startups |
| Who Benefits Most | Individual farmers, FPOs, cold chain entrepreneurs | State govts, agri-startups, agri-infrastructure developers |
| Max Individual Subsidy | Rs.56 lakh (NHB Protected Cultivation); Rs.7.50 crore (Cold Storage) | Rs.25 lakh (Agripreneurship seed grant) |
| Subsidy Type | Capital investment subsidy (back-ended, credit-linked) | Grant-in-aid (equity-free, milestone-linked for startups) |
| Application Route | nhb.gov.in / District Horticulture Officer / State Horticulture Mission | R-ABI incubators / State RKVY Management Unit |
| Horticulture-Specific? | Yes — exclusively horticulture crops and infrastructure | No — broader agriculture (horticulture is one component) |
| Best For Cold Storage? | Yes — dedicated cold storage subsidy scheme (NHB: Rs.7.50 crore cap) | Indirectly (through state RKVY post-harvest projects) |
| Best For Innovation/Startup? | No — NHM/NHB focuses on infrastructure, not agri-startup incubation | Yes — Rs.25 lakh seed grant for agritech startups |
| Combinability | Cannot combine NHM and NHB for same project; can combine with AIF loan | Can be combined with NHM (different project components) |
High-Value Horticulture Scheme Terms You Must Know in 2026
- 💼 MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture): The umbrella centrally sponsored scheme that integrates NHM, NHB, HMNEH, CDB, and CIH. All horticulture subsidies in India flow through MIDH. The Government of India contributes 60% (general states) or 90% (NE/Himalayan) of MIDH outlay. The official portal is midh.gov.in.
- 📜 Letter of Intent (LOI): The official approval letter issued by NHB or State Horticulture Mission after your project application is sanctioned. LOI is valid for 1 year (NHB) and is the green signal to begin physical construction. Starting work before LOI leads to automatic disqualification from subsidy.
- 📊 Detailed Project Report (DPR): A mandatory document for NHB/NHM subsidy claims, covering technical project details, cost estimates, equipment specifications, civil design, and financial projections. For NHB, DPR must follow the exact prescribed format — any deviation is grounds for rejection.
- 🌡️ Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage: An advanced cold storage technology that maintains precise oxygen, CO2, and nitrogen levels to extend shelf life of fruits (especially apples, kiwi, pears) by 6–10 months. NHB provides additional CA generator subsidy of Rs.1.25 crore per unit over and above the base cold storage subsidy.
- 🏦 Back-ended Subsidy: A subsidy model where the government releases the grant money after project completion and verification — not upfront. For NHB/NHM schemes, subsidy is credited to your bank loan account, reducing your outstanding principal. This means you must first fund the full project cost from your own resources + bank loan, then receive the subsidy later.
- 💧 AIF (Agriculture Infrastructure Fund): A Rs.1 lakh crore central government fund offering 3% annual interest subvention for post-harvest management and agriculture infrastructure projects (cold storage, processing units, etc.). AIF and NHB/NHM subsidies can be combined — AIF handles the interest burden while NHB/NHM subsidies reduce the principal amount. Visit agriinfra.dac.gov.in for AIF details.
- 🔬 HMNEH (Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States): A sub-scheme of MIDH for holistic horticulture development in North Eastern and Himalayan states. HMNEH receives 90% central funding and is the primary channel for NHM-equivalent benefits in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- 📦 PHM (Post-Harvest Management): The segment covering pack houses, ripening chambers, reefer vans, pre-cooling units, retail outlets, and primary processing under NHB’s Integrated PHM scheme. NHB offers 50% subsidy up to Rs.56 lakh for integrated PHM projects — one of the best-value subsidies for horticulture supply chain entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions – National Horticulture Mission 2026
What is the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) 2026?
National Horticulture Mission (NHM) 2026 is a sub-scheme under MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture), a flagship Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India. NHM provides subsidies of up to 50% on greenhouse, net house, polyhouse, cold storage, drip irrigation, orchard development, and related horticulture infrastructure projects. It is implemented in 18 states and 6 UTs through State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) at the district level. The broader MIDH umbrella also includes the National Horticulture Board (NHB) for large commercial projects, with official portals at midh.gov.in and nhb.gov.in.
How much subsidy can I get for a greenhouse or polyhouse under NHM 2026?
Under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) through MIDH, you can receive up to 50% subsidy on your polyhouse or greenhouse project cost. Under the NHB scheme for larger commercial projects (above 2,500 sq. meters), the subsidy is 50% capped at Rs.56 lakh per project. For a standard 1-acre polyhouse project costing Rs.35 lakh at market rates, the NHB subsidy works out to approximately Rs.17–18 lakh. Several states like Haryana provide additional 15–20% top-up subsidies from their own funds, taking total government support to 65–70% of project cost.
What is the cold storage subsidy rate under National Horticulture Mission?
Under NHM/MIDH, cold storage construction or modernisation gets a 35% capital investment subsidy in general areas and 50% in North Eastern, Hilly, and Scheduled Areas for capacity up to 5,000 MT per project. Under the NHB cold storage scheme, the rate is 40% (general) or 55% (NE/Hilly) for projects up to 5,000 MT, with the maximum overall project subsidy capped at Rs.7.50 crore. Additional subsidies of up to Rs.1.25 crore per unit are available for Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology add-ons under NHB’s cold storage scheme.
Who is eligible to apply for NHM subsidy in 2026?
Individual farmers, farming entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives, private companies, and public sector units are all eligible for National Horticulture Mission 2026 subsidies. Applicants must have clear land title or registered leasehold rights. For protected cultivation under NHM, minimum project area is 500 sq. meters. SC/ST farmers, women farmers, and beneficiaries in North Eastern and Himalayan states receive priority consideration. For NHB applications, only 1 project per family or legal entity is eligible.
Is the NHM/NHB subsidy credit-linked?
Yes, for most NHM and NHB subsidy schemes the assistance is credit-linked and back-ended. You must first get a term loan sanctioned by a nationalised or scheduled bank, implement the project at full cost, and only then receive the subsidy — which is credited to your bank loan account by the government through the bank. The eligible subsidy amount is capped at the term loan amount. In North Eastern states, credit linkage is not mandatory for certain NHB components, and some cases allow 100% advance subsidy release before project completion.
What is the difference between NHM and NHB subsidy for greenhouse projects?
NHM is best for small and medium farmers with projects between 500 sq. meters and 4,000 sq. meters; applications are submitted through the District Horticulture Officer or State Horticulture Mission portal at the district level. NHB is better for large commercial horticulture entrepreneurs with projects above 2,500 sq. meters; applications are submitted online at nhb.gov.in with a processing fee. Both NHM and NHB provide 50% subsidy for protected cultivation but have different maximum caps, area requirements, and application processes. A critical rule: the two schemes are mutually exclusive — you can only claim one per project.
What documents are needed for NHM greenhouse or net house subsidy?
Documents for National Horticulture Mission greenhouse or net house subsidy include: Aadhaar card, land ownership or lease documents (7/12 or equivalent), bank term loan sanction letter, Detailed Project Report (DPR) in prescribed format, site plan or layout, cost estimates from registered suppliers, bank appraisal report (for NHB), caste certificate (SC/ST), incorporation documents (for FPOs or companies), and completed application form. For NHB applications, all three documents — DPR, bank appraisal, and application — must show identical cost figures without any discrepancy.
Can I apply online for NHM 2026 subsidy?
NHB applications are submitted online at nhb.gov.in with a processing fee of approximately Rs.5,000–Rs.10,000. For NHM (state-level) applications, online portals are available in Haryana (HodaHaryana), Rajasthan (RajKisan), Gujarat (I-Khedut), and Maharashtra (MahaDbt). In states without dedicated portals, applications are submitted in person through the District Horticulture Officer (DHO). Check Agrijob.in regularly for state-wise NHM portal links and updated application deadlines. For the latest MIDH scheme guidelines, visit midh.gov.in.
For more information on horticulture careers and agriculture government schemes, explore our guides on Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana 2026 and Agriculture Government Schemes India 2026.
This guide is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest National Horticulture Mission 2026 subsidy rates, cost norms, and state-specific NHM application updates.
Last Updated: June 2026
