Context:

• The state government of Himachal Pradesh has announced measures to develop the horticulture sector which is major source of livelihood for state’s farmers.

Key Points:

• Development of the horticulture sector is crucial for the state government as it ensures higher returns for farmers and therefore remains a major component of state’s economy. Increase in the consequent spending power further leads to boost in wider economy.
• As part the efforts initiated in this regard, the Horticulture Development Ministry has announced that the state government will make concerted efforts to develop Himachal Pradesh as fruit hub. The state government in this regard has selected the Dharampur area of Mandi district as a major hub. As part of the efforts, fruit clusters are being developed under the HP Shiva project of the Horticulture Department at Dabrot in the Dharampur Assembly constituency. The concerted officials have further underlined that  the plantation of fruit plants would be promoted in medium and low-altitude areas as well.
• The guava plantation done under the HP Shiva project in Dabrot has yielded good results. Here, 9,981 guava saplings were planted on about 8.5 hectares belonging to 73 farmers. In only three years, the plants have started bearing fruits in good quantity.
• Notably, through the Horticulture Development Project (HDP) and the HP Shiva project, the state government would ensure a large-scale plantation of fruit plants in all districts of the state in conformity with the local geographical conditions and climate. It will also increase the local farmers’ income.