Horticulture: A thriving industry in Himachal generating jobs for 10 lakh people annually
Horticulture has emerged as a cornerstone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, offering livelihood opportunities to millions. With an annual turnover exceeding ₹4,000 crore, the sector is not only bolstering the rural economy but also contributing significantly to the state’s overall prosperity.
Economic and Employment Growth in Horticulture
Himachal Pradesh, known for its picturesque landscapes, is now making strides in economic growth, with horticulture playing a pivotal role. Covering approximately 2.36 lakh hectares of land, the state produces around 6.38 lakh metric tons of fruits annually, contributing ₹4,476 crore to its revenue. The sector provides direct and indirect employment opportunities to nearly 10 lakh individuals.
Expansion Efforts and Production Highlights
According to the state horticulture department, the last two years have seen a remarkable boost in fruit production, thanks to government initiatives. Key achievements include:
Mushroom production: 25,829 metric tons
Honey production: 4,081 metric tons
Floriculture expansion: Cultivation over 659 hectares
Additionally, the government has integrated 8,085 hectares of new land for fruit cultivation, while nurseries have produced 25.12 lakh high-quality plants for distribution to farmers. Efforts like these are enhancing the financial stability of rural communities.
Sustainable Practices and Support Initiatives
To ensure sustainable growth, ₹13.64 crore has been invested in plant protection measures. About 1,195 hectares of land are now benefiting from organic pest control techniques, with over 542 farmers trained in these methods. Furthermore, the state has established 819 procurement centers under the Market Intervention Scheme to facilitate the sale of apples, mangoes, and citrus fruits, eliminating middlemen and securing better prices for farmers.
Key procurement statistics:
Apples: 89,615.05 metric tons worth ₹10,753.79 lakh
Mangoes: 12.90 metric tons worth ₹1.55 lakh
Citrus fruits: 50.61 metric tons worth ₹5.85 lakh
Training for Technological Advancement
To keep pace with modern horticulture practices, over 1.2 lakh farmers have been trained in the past two years. These programs aim to promote the cultivation of diverse fruit species and improve productivity. The positive impact of these government-led initiatives is evident in the growing economic strength of the state’s rural population.
Himachal Pradesh’s focus on expanding and modernizing its horticulture sector underscores its commitment to economic empowerment and sustainable development.