<h1>India, Asian Development Bank ink $98M deal to boost plant health in horticulture; aims for disease-free crops, climate resilience.</h1> The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $98 million loan agreement to enhance plant health management in India's horticulture sector. The project aims to provide farmers with certified disease-free planting materials, improving crop yield, quality, and climate resilience. It supports the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme by developing regulatory frameworks and institutional systems. The initiative involves collaboration with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers associations. It includes establishing clean plant centers with advanced diagnostic labs and a certification scheme for nurseries. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will implement the project.