State govt mulling Rs 500 cr project to promote apple cultivation: Sukhu

The state government is contemplating to formulate a Rs 500 crore dedicated project for the rejuvenation of apple cultivation. “This project will be implemented for five years and will focus on promoting high-density plantations to enhance farmers’ income and strengthen the rural economy,” said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while chairing a meeting to evaluate the progress of various schemes implemented by the Horticulture Department here today.

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Sukhu stressed the importance of diversification in horticulture and said that there’s need to develop improved storage and marketing systems to ensure fair prices for farmers and horticulturists. He added that his government was planning to establish modern cold storage facilities at the district level to provide much-needed support to horticulturists.

He said that the government was also working to set up a potato processing unit in Una district to bolster the economy of farmers while creating self-employment opportunities. He reviewed the achievements of various state horticulture schemes during 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Under the Horticulture Development Scheme, Rs 12.84 crore was spent on power tillers and sprayers, benefiting 4,244 horticulturists last year. In the current financial year, Rs 9 crore had been spent so far, benefiting 3,156 horticulturalists. Similarly, under the Anti-Hail Net Scheme, Rs 14.45 crore was spent last year, benefiting 1,767 people while this year, Rs 10.3 crore had been spent, benefiting 1,223 people.

Sukhu said, “Rs 11 crore has been utilised under the Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana in 2023-24, providing benefits to 750 people.” The Chief Minister directed the Horticulture Department to prioritise direct benefit transfer to maximise benefits for farmers and horticulturists.

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Secretary (Horticulture) C. Paulrasu attended the meeting.