Why in News?

=> Recently, considering the potential of apple cultivation in the state, the Agriculture Department has started the scheme of apple cultivation in 7 districts as a pilot project this year.

Key Points:

=> Under the Special Horticulture Crop Scheme, a target has been set to make apple cultivation in an area of 10 hectares.

=> The project is being started for apple cultivation in Vaishali, Begusarai and Bhagalpur in 2 hectares each, while in Muzaffarpur, Aurangabad, Katihar and Samastipur one hectare each.

=> Center of Excellence Assistant Director Horticulture Prashant Jha informed that the farmers selected for apple cultivation will be given training at Desiri Center of Excellence in Vaishali.

=> Hariman 99 variety saplings will be provided to the selected farmers from Himachal Pradesh.

=> The cost of one plant including training will be around Rs 200. Experts will also come from Himachal Pradesh to impart training to the farmers.