Shimla, A delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Mission, led by Ms. Sunae Kim, Deputy Team Leader, along with International Horticultural Expert Shyam Khadka, Ms. Julitta Ponniah, and Finance Specialist Tarun Aggarwal, met with Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi to provide a comprehensive update on the ongoing progress of the HPSHIVA project.

The mission emphasized the significance of clean plant material, nursery development, and the fortification of the post-harvest and food processing sector under the HPSHIVA project, which is financially supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Spanning an eight-day visit until November 21st, the mission conducted an extensive review of the project's implementation by touring various regions, including Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Bilaspur from November 14th to 16th.

During their stay, a crucial meeting convened under the chairmanship of Secretary Horticulture, C. Paulrasu, delved into discussions about the HPSHIVA Main Project. This main project is set to cover a substantial 6,000-hectare area, and it is slated to receive funding amounting to Rs. 130 million from the Asian Development Bank over the course of five years.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Project Director for HPSHIVA, along with senior officers from the horticulture department and PMU (Project Management Unit). The discussions revolved around the effective implementation of the project, ensuring its success in contributing to horticultural development in the region. The financial backing from the Asian Development Bank underscores the commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative practices in horticulture, marking a significant step towards enhancing agricultural practices and food processing capabilities.