High-density Farming to Bring Horticulture Revolution in Himachal Pradesh

The state government has resolved that under the subtropical horticulture, irrigation, and value addition project (HP SHIVA), high-density agriculture would be encouraged in the state to bring about a horticulture revolution, and orchards would be safeguarded and preserved using the scientific technique.

Besides, provisions have been made for composite solar fencing to safeguard fruits and crop production from wild animals, as well as subsidies on farming machinery and agricultural inputs for establishing drip irrigation systems and cluster management to ensure appropriate usage of existing water resources. 

The horticulture sector is helping to boost the economy of the people of Himachal Pradesh by creating a variety of income sources. Horticulture now occupies 2.34 lakh hectares of land in the state. In the previous four years, the state has produced 31.40 lakh metric tonnes of fruits. During this period, the horticulture sector earned an average of Rs 4,575 crore per year, employing an estimated 9 lakh people directly or indirectly. In recent years, the state's contribution to the worldwide horticulture market has grown dramatically. 

According to authorities, the HP SHIVA is a unique effort of the State Government for the development of the horticulture industry and to make people self-reliant, in light of the tremendous potential of horticulture in low-lying areas with a warm climate. Horticultural development will be carried out under the initiative based on a seed-to-market approach. 

According to project authorities, the project's goal is to link as many jobless youth and women as possible with horticulture. The orchardist would be provided and resources ranging from appropriate saplings to mass marketing to build new orchards. 

The project is being implemented in conjunction with the Asian Development Bank for a total cost of Rs 975 crore, with the government contributing Rs 195 crore. The Himachal government has so far allocated Rs 48.80 crore for the implementation phase of the project of which Rs 37.31 Crore has been spent.