Shimla, 17 November, 2024-Horticulture has long been a cornerstone for the economy of the State which was driving both income and employment across the state and with the new policies, reforms and forward thinking initiatives of the present state government the sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation. These efforts have not only bolstered the reputation of the state in producing premium-quality fruits and crops but have also positioned Himachal Pradesh as a leader in innovative horticultural practices. The state has gained global recognition for its sustainable and progressive approach. At present approximately 2.36 lakh hectares of land in the state is dedicated to horticulture in a sector which is yielding a fruit production of 6.38 lakh metric tonnes and contributing around Rs. 4,476 crore to the annual income of the state. The sector has also become a key employment generator directly or indirectly supporting around 10 lakh individuals.

Over the past two years, the government has introduced various successful programmes that have boosted fruit production and strengthened the economy of the horticulture sector. Some of the notable achievements include the production of 25,829 metric tonnes of mushrooms, 4,081 metric tonnes of honey and the cultivation of 659 hectares of flowers. These endeavours not only enrich the local economy but also allow the farmers of the state to tap into new markets and revenue streams further stabilizing income.

Expanding horticulture coverage remains a top priority and 8,085 additional hectares are brought under fruit cultivation. Through extensive efforts in nurseries, the government produced 25.12 lakh fruit plants and distributed over 27.64 lakh plants to horticulturists. These efforts have strengthened the sector by increasing both quality and output which was proving a boon for orchardists seeking to modernize their practices.

One of the standout achievements of the government lies in pest and disease control measures. By providing a subsidy of Rs. 13.64 crore on plant protection medicines, a total of 288.55 MT/kg of such materials were made available to fruit growers. Apart from these 1,195 hectares of horticultural land was now getting benefitted from biological pest control and about 542 horticulturists were trained in these methods. This approach not only ensures healthier plants but also introduces sustainable farming practices that have a positive environmental impact.

To ensure high-quality saplings for orchardists 226 nurseries and 160 Bud Wood Banks have been registered under the HP Fruit Nursery Registration and Regulation Act, 2015. This move standardizes the availability of quality planting material and ensures the resilient, high-yield fruit varieties essential for long-term productivity for the orchardists in the state.

Marketing and fair pricing mechanisms have been key components of the strategy of the state government which would boost the incomes of the farmers. Under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) 819 procurement centres were established in the state which facilitated the sale of apples, mangoes and citrus fruits directly from the orchardists. This scheme has enabled the purchase of 89,615.05 metric tonnes of apples worth Rs. 10,753.79 lakh, 12.90 metric tonnes of mangoes worth Rs. 1.55 lakh and 50.61 metric tonnes of citrus fruits worth Rs. 5.85 lakh. By eliminating intermediaries the scheme ensures that horticulturists in the state receive fair and profitable prices for their produce.

Knowledge and skill development were other pillars of the developmental approach of the present state government. With over 1,20,076 horticulturists trained through study tours and camps the state has nurtured a knowledgeable workforce equipped with the latest horticultural techniques and innovations. This focus on education empowers farmers, driving productivity and creating a progressive, sustainable outlook in the horticulture sector of the state.

Through these wide-ranging measures the present state government has significantly bolstered the horticulture sector and transformed it into a wellspring of economic growth and stability for the people of Himachal Pradesh. From providing direct support in plant production to establishing a more equitable marketing system, these initiatives reflect the commitment of the state government to rural prosperity and set an example of how a well-supported horticulture sector can shape a resilient and prosperous future.