Himachal plans to push horticulture projects in Shahpur

Shimla: Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania chaired a review meeting with the top horticulture officials in Shimla on Friday to take stock of the ongoing horticulture projects in the Shahpur Assembly constituency. Pathania went on to say during the meeting that a new Sub-Center of Excellence, called a Progeny-cum-Demonstration Orchard, is to be established in Shahpur. Recently a team from Israel scrutinized the site and submitted their report to the state government.

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The state is expected to discuss the project with the Union government. It is likely that five crore rupees will be spent for setting up this center. Kewal Singh Pathania urged the officials to transfer the Jhullar farm’s land to the Horticulture Department at the earliest. He assessed the progress of the HP Shiva Project and said that vacant posts in the Horticulture Department will soon be filled. New posts will also be created at the PCDO (Progeny-cum-Demonstration Orchard) in Shahpur.

Pathania emphasized that the state government is focusing on developing horticulture to strengthen the rural economy. New technologies are being introduced to help farmers, especially in growing citrus fruits, where Shahpur has great potential. He said efforts are being made to diversify fruit production in the area.

This initiative by the Himachal government must create awareness among farmers about the use of modern techniques in farming and better crop varieties, which will help in increasing their income. Shahpur has great potential for the growth of citrus fruits.