Himachal govt promotes to grow high-value fruits in PCDOs

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has been trying to re-establish the ruined orchards in the state. Therefore, the Horticulture Department has decided to set up 93 progeny-cum-demonstration orchards (PCDOs) with an aim to support the horticulturists and bring stability to their lives. The state government is looking to remodel the deteriorated orchards to make them valuable for the farmers again. Therefore, cultivation of horticulture crops could start as soon as possible.

Works on these orchards are in progress to develop them in different districts so that cultivation can start again, planning to provide high-quality saplings to farmers at reasonable prices. In the meantime, numerous challenges have occurred; currently, the biggest issue is the shortage of staff.

Also Read: PAU hosts workshop to accelerate horticulture production

The government has been encouraging farmers to grow high-demand fruits that give better income to farmers throughout the year. A plan has been made to grow dragon fruit, avocado, high-quality guava, and many more on a large scale. Such steps are taken to make the rural economy potent so that farmers don’t need to move outside the state for their livelihoods.

As per the Horticulture Department, Sirmaur district has the highest number of PCDOs (15), followed by Shimla (14), Chamba (12), Mandi (11), Solan (10), Kinnaur (8), Bilaspur (6), Kangra (6), Hamirpur (4), Kullu (3), and Una & Lahaul-Spiti (2 each).

Director of the Horticulture Department Vinay Singh assured that new workers will be recruited soon, and after that they will be deployed for the development of those orchards. This decision is likely to boost the horticulture sector in the state, increasing the farmers’ income.