Solan, February 3, 2026
Horticulture remains the mainstay of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, said Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi while inaugurating a plum plantation drive under the Shiva Project at Dati Brahmana village in Gram Panchayat Dawati of Arki constituency.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Awasthi emphasized that as a mountainous state, Himachal Pradesh depends significantly on horticulture for economic stability. He stated that horticulture is currently practiced on 2.37 lakh hectares in the state, with an annual fruit production of around 6.48 lakh metric tonnes. The sector contributes nearly ₹5,000 crore annually to the state’s income. He added that the government is making sustained efforts to boost apple and other fruit production using modern technology.
Under the first phase of the HP Shiva Project in Kunihar Development Block, seven clusters—Dati, Chunad, Ser Delag, Giana, Pazina, Jailang and Daseran—have been formed. A total of 5,991 plum plants of Santa Rosa, Black Amber and Red Beauty varieties are being planted across these clusters. In the Dati cluster alone, nearly 6,000 Black Amber and Red Beauty plants will be planted on 10 hectares of land.
Similarly, five clusters are being developed in Belikhol, Batiyakh, Doli, Saur and Palli in Nalagarh Development Block. Awasthi informed that irrigation systems, solar fencing and other essential facilities are being created under the project to support farmers.
Highlighting the initiatives of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the MLA said the state government is strengthening agriculture and horticulture to boost the economy. Natural farming is being promoted, and minimum support prices have been fixed for naturally grown wheat, maize and turmeric to ensure fair returns to farmers. MSP for cow and buffalo milk has also been increased to enhance livestock farmers’ income.
Awasthi stressed the need to connect educated unemployed youth with agriculture, describing it as a viable avenue for self-employment. He urged officials to ensure proper implementation of modern technologies, management practices and training programmes for young farmers.
He further informed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹9 lakh has been prepared for the construction of the Brayley–Budmostoti–Daati Shivnagar link road, and work will begin soon. He also announced ₹2 lakh for constructing a security wall near the Kul Devi temple in Dati village and ₹1.5 lakh for repair and maintenance of the community building.
The MLA inaugurated the campaign by planting a plum sapling and later heard public grievances under the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ programme, directing officials to ensure their swift redressal.
Several officials, including SDM Arki Nishant Tomar, Block Medical Officer Dr. Mukta Rastogi, Director of Shiva Project Dr. Ramal Angaria, Deputy Director Horticulture Shivali Thakur, and District Coordinator Devendra Atri, along with local representatives, farmers and residents, were present on the occasion.
