Himachal govt to push horticulture sector to deliver six lakh apple saplings

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has taken several steps for the welfare of farmers; the state government is set to deliver six lakh premium saplings and is planning to construct the world’s first geothermal storage facility to transform horticulture as a potent sector. Horticulture farmers are the backbone in the economy of Himachal; fruit cultivation takes place on more than 234 lakh hectares in the state.

It generates an annual income of Rs 5,000 crore. Overall, 9 lakh people are employed in this sector. As per a government spokesperson, this year six lakh A-grade apple saplings across 93 nurseries were prepared; that is a notable achievement. Quality saplings of 32 varieties are likely to be distributed for the first time.

The horticulturists have developed eight new apple varieties, and they would be given to small and marginal farmers at an affordable rate for better growth, an official said. In another development, the state has partnered with Iceland to introduce the world’s first controlled-environment storage (CA) using geothermal technology, to be constructed in Tapri, Kinnaur.

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Such kinds of facilities will bring a revolution, and storage of horticulture products will be easy and increase the shelf life of fruits. It will help farmers earn maximum profit. Local authorities will receive all kinds of help from the experts of Iceland. The new technology will boost the product.

The reduction of GST on apple cartons from 18 percent to 12 percent has given a respite to the horticulturists of the state; packaging would be more affordable, and more and more profit is on the cards.