HP Shiva Project game changer for horticulture sector, says Negi

Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has said the HP Shiva Project will be a game changer for the development of horticulture sector in the state.

Presiding over a meeting on the progress of the project at Dharamsala last evening, Negi said it will help farmers increase production capacity with the support of modern irrigation systems.

Negi conducted a detailed assessment of works related to irrigation schemes, drip irrigation, field preparation and solar fencing. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated in the implementation of the project.

The minister directed departments and contractors to maintain transparency, quality and timeliness in all works. He stressed the need for regular field monitoring and improved communication with farmers to ensure that the benefits of the project reach ground level.

Negi said 142 irrigation schemes were currently being executed under the project. There is target to complete 123 schemes by the end of December.

Negi also instructed that all pending works related to solar fencing, drip irrigation and land preparation must be completed by December 31, adding that strict action would be taken against contractors failing to meet deadlines. Project Director Devendra Thakur reported that the project aims to cover 6,000 hectares of land. At present, work is under way on 4,000 hectares. The remaining land will be covered by the end of December, he added.