With a view to promote horticulture sector as the diverse geo-climatic conditions of the state are conducive for cultivation of wide varieties of fruits, the Himachal Pradesh (HP) government is mulling to launch area specific schemes.

A state government official said as many as 35 species of different fruits could be successfully grown in the state where horticulture has been major contributor to the economy.

“Horticulture minister Mahender Singh Thakur has specifically directed the specialists in the field of agriculture to visit farms in their respective areas and conduct research on possibility of maximum coverage to horticulture activities,” he said.

The official said the specialists will go in the field and prepare area specific plans for different regions, keeping in view agro climatic conditions of the area. It will also be ensured that optimum survival of plants was achieved in the areas planned by the horticulture officers.

“Robust plants of fruits of high yield varieties will be provided to farmers in the state after proper soil testing. In addition, more and more farmers will be covered in the state for floriculture and horticulture activities,” he said, adding this will increase self employment avenues in rural areas and strengthen economy. The government has also decided to increase procurement prices of citrus fruits in the state under market inventor scheme.

Besides this, food processing industries will also be promoted in the state so that optimum utilisation could be ensured of the horticulture crop.

“A work plan would also be prepared for ensuring development of horticulture in different parts of the state,” he said, adding for this, the Horticulture department would develop nurseries as per demand of the farmers and according to the climatic conditions of the region.

Over 4.5 lakh plants would be distributed to the farmers during the next three months through departmental nurseries as per their requirement.

Thakur has also directed all the Horticulture department officers to carry research to the fields and expand horticulture activities throughout the state.

The farmers would be provided plants after testing of soil in their respective areas and it would ensure greater income to the farmers as they would be able to grow more cash crops, suited for their area.

The Horticulture minister also stressed the need to provide quality plants to the farmers and directed for strict action against those who would supply plants of poor variety.

“Special emphasis is being laid on providing appropriate prices of their produce to the horticulturists. Apple, mango and citrus fruits were being procured under the Market Intervention Scheme,” he said.

In addition, stress is being laid on establishing fruit base processing units such as wine and cider to ensure remunerative prices to the farmers.