Subhash Rajta

Shimla, July 26

The Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Himachal Pradesh Sub-tropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition (SHIVA) project will hit the plantation phase around August 15. "We will start the plantation drive from August 15 in those clusters where we will have assured irrigation facility. Hopefully, by mid-October, the plantation will start in 35-40 clusters," said Devender Thakur, Project Director.

The Rs 1,292-crore project is aimed at planting more than one crore fruit saplings in seven districts to push the state towards becoming fruit bowl of the country. While the state is currently known for its temperate zone fruits ndash; apple and stone fruits ndash; the project will boost the production of sub-tropical fruits like orange, guava, mango, pomegranate, litchi, persimmons and pecan nuts.

Will encourage diversification

• The project will boost the production of sub-tropical fruits like orange, guava, mango, pomegranate, litchi, persimmons and pecan nuts.
• The Rs 1,292-crore project aims to plant more than one crore fruit saplings in seven districts.
• Given the varied climatic conditions and topography of the state, around 40 types of fruits can be grown here. The project will encourage diversification and encourage farmers to grow fruits commercially that are best suited to local conditions," said Devender Thakur, Project Director.

Under the project, various varieties of selected fruits will be planted. "These varieties were imported from Brazil, the USA and Israel a while back. These are now being multiplied in the country," said Thakur. "These plants will start giving sample fruit in two to three years, and will come into full bearing in five to six years," said Thakur.

As many as 15,000 farmer families will benefit from the project that will run for five years (January 2023-December 2028). It is being implemented in seven districts, namely Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi. Over one crore plants will be planted in 400 clusters spread over 6,000 hectares of land. Besides, 162 irrigation schemes will be set up under the project. "The work on 85 irrigation schemes is already underway, and fencing work and field preparation have started in 37 clusters," he said.

The project will be implemented on the 80:20 basis between the ADB and the state government. "The ADB will invest Rs 1,030 crore into the project and the rest will be borne by the state government," said the Project Director.