Shimla: Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to boost horticulture are bearing fruit, with Mandi district gaining recognition as a hub for producing premium fruit plants. Under the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project, the Horticulture Department’s Nursery Management Society is cultivating high-quality apple, apricot, and plum plants in Mandi. These plants are also being distributed to other regions.
On December 5, a team from Leh-Ladakh University’s School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology visited fruit propagation centers in Janjehli, Samarahan, Harabag, and the Rich Nursery Nandi in Seraj. The delegation, including Assistant Professors Dr. Kunz Angmo and Dr. Kunjang Lamo, inspected the advanced plants developed by the department.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Deputy Director of Horticulture, shared that 2,645 grafted apple plants, including varieties like Red Velox, Gala Sinka Red, and Dark Baron Gala, were distributed. Additionally, 100 apricot plants, 100 plum plants, and 300 rootstock plants were supplied to Leh-Ladakh University. These plants, valued at Rs. 5.25 lakh, reflect Mandi’s capability to produce and share top-quality horticultural material.
Dr. Gupta highlighted that this achievement is a milestone for Mandi and Himachal Pradesh, showcasing the state’s commitment to horticultural innovation. With this progress, Himachal Pradesh is emerging as a leader in modern fruit production techniques, contributing significantly to the agricultural sector.
