Farmers’ efforts bear fruit at Bhawarna in Kangra district
The Himachal Pradesh Sub-Tropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition (HPSHIVA) project is nothing short of a beacon of hope for a group of four farmers living in Sidhpur Sarkari of Bhawarna Development Block in Kangra district.
A group of progressive farmers in the village, bidding adieu to the traditional agriculture, chose to plant fruit trees which have now started to bear fruit. This experiment has rekindled a new ray of hope among the youth of the day getting away from their soil.
A new ray of hope
A cluster of progressive farmers in the village, bidding adieu to the traditional agriculture, involving cultivation of wheat, maize and rice, chose to plant fruit trees which have now started to bear fruit. This experiment has rekindled a new ray of hope for the youth of the day getting away from their soil
Kamalsheel Negi, Deputy Director of Horticulture Department in Dharamsala, is of the firm opinion that because of the small and scattered land holdings in the state, horticulture is a better choice. He strongly feels that it can earn 10 to 15 times more compared to the traditional agriculture. According to him, the physiography, coupled with the climatic conditions prevalent in the region, are suitable for fruit growing.
Jai Veer Singh, the key person who had a zeal to do something different, approached the Horticulture office in Dharamsala and was shown the way by various officers. Leaving behind age-old practice of cultivating wheat, maize and rice, he boldly ventured into horticulture.
The dream project commenced in 2021 with the establishment of a front-line demonstration (FLD) under the MIDH scheme. This pilot initiative involved planting 1111 citrus trees, including high-yielding varieties like “Daisy” and “Blood Red Malta”, on a hectare of land. The orchard, meticulously protected by solar fencing, served as a model for other farmers in the region, showcasing the potential of modern horticultural practices.
The success of the FLD has been remarkable. With an anticipated yield of 9 quintals in 2024 and a promising market rate of Rs 80-100 per kg, farmers are experiencing a significant boost in their incomes. This initial success has inspired further expansion, with an additional 5 hectares brought under cultivation in 2022, benefiting 15 farmers. The focus on high-quality varieties like Blood Red and Jaffa ensures sustained productivity and profitability for participating farmers. Recognising the immense potential of this initiative, the project is poised for further expansion.
