Shimla, December 16: In a major boost to the state’s apple growers, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a ₹500-crore project aimed at rejuvenating apple horticulture in Himachal Pradesh.
Chairing a review meeting of the Horticulture Department here today, the Chief Minister revealed that the five-year initiative would focus on promoting high-density plantations, aiming to enhance farmer incomes and strengthen the rural economy.
“The rejuvenation project will revolutionize apple farming by adopting modern techniques and providing better support to growers,” said CM Sukhu.
He added that improved storage and marketing systems are essential to ensure fair prices for horticulturists, and the government is committed to building modern cold storage facilities at the district level to meet this need.
DBT for Farmers and Potato Processing Unit in Una
The Chief Minister also directed the Horticulture Department to prioritize Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Mandi Mediation scheme to maximize benefits for farmers and horticulturists. I
n a bid to diversify the agricultural economy, CM Sukhu announced plans to set up a potato processing unit in Una district, creating self-employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
Achievements of Horticulture Schemes Reviewed
During the meeting, CM Sukhu reviewed the performance of state horticulture schemes over the last two financial years. Highlights included:
- Horticulture Development Scheme: ₹12.84 crore spent in 2023-24, benefiting 4,244 horticulturists, and ₹9 crore utilized in 2024-25 for 3,156 gardeners.
- Anti-Hail Net Scheme: ₹14.45 crore spent in 2023-24 for 1,767 beneficiaries, with ₹10.3 crore utilized in the current financial year for 1,223 beneficiaries.
- Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana: ₹11 crore allocated in 2023-24, benefitting 750 individuals.
CM did not give details of the proposed Rs 500 Crore project. Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, and senior officials, including Secretary Horticulture C. Palrasu and Director Horticulture Vinay Kumar, attended the meeting.
