12,500 Japanese saplings to be planted on 18 hectares in Mandi

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Tuesday inspected the under-construction Tamroh cluster in Balh subdivision of Mandi district being developed under the ambitious SHIVA Project. The cluster, spread over 18 hectares, is being planted with 12,500 Japanese persimmon (Japani Phal) saplings and is expected to generate an estimated annual income of nearly Rs 2.50 crore for local farmers.

So far, 70 farmers have enrolled in the cluster and fruit production is expected to begin within the next three years. The minister conducted an extensive inspection of the entire area and reviewed the progress with project officials.

Negi said that two water storage tanks with a capacity of 2 lakh litres to 3 lakh litres were being constructed to support irrigation needs. The plantation work would begin on July 15 next year, following a spacing pattern of 4×4 metres.

He emphasised that under the SHIVA Project, all essential facilities, including saplings, plantation support, drip irrigation systems, fencing and water supply, were being provided free of cost. Besides, farmers would receive spray machines, horticulture tools and technical training. The department would offer continuous guidance on pruning and scientific orchard management, he added.

The minister urged farmers to participate proactively as their involvement was vital for ensuring quality work and monitoring progress. He encouraged them to lodge their grievances through the department’s official website.

He directed officials to arrange exposure visits for women farmers to other successful clusters. He said that such initiatives would help them adopt modern techniques. He also assured the farmers that the Jal Shakti Department would ensure proper irrigation arrangements while robust marketing facilities would be put in place for the fruit produce.

Joint Director (Horticulture) Vidya Prakash, Deputy Director Sanjay Gupta and cluster representatives, including Chairman Roshan Lal, Karam Singh, Roop Singh and Tek Singh, accompanied the minister during the inspection.