Protected cultivation of blueberries underway on over 5,000 square metres in Solan district; expansion planned to benefit 188 farmers
Solan: Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma on Friday visited the Blueberry Front Line Demonstration (FLD) unit established by progressive horticulturist Karan Singh at Dharon Ki Dhar in Solan district. The unit was established in 2025 under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), in collaboration with the Horticulture Department, to promote high-value fruit cultivation in the region.
The demonstration unit covers 800 square metres under protected infrastructure and has 600 blueberry plants growing in soilless media. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner was briefed on efforts to promote and expand blueberry cultivation through frontline demonstrations under the horticulture development mission.
Manmohan Sharma said cultivating fruits suited to Solan district’s climatic conditions could strengthen the local economy and provide long-term benefits to farmers and orchardists. He noted that the growth and performance of blueberry plants at the Dharon Ki Dhar unit had been found satisfactory, demonstrating the potential of protected cultivation under the district’s agro-climatic conditions.
The Horticulture Department has so far established six blueberry frontline demonstration units in Solan district. Another demonstration unit has been set up at the Horticulture Demonstration Centre in Gauda. Together, these initiatives have brought more than 5,000 square metres of land under protected blueberry cultivation in the district.
The demonstration unit showcases the use of modern technology for high-value fruit production and highlights the scope for diversifying horticulture in the region. The initiative aims to familiarise farmers with modern cultivation practices and encourage them to adopt profitable alternatives to conventional fruit crops.
Under the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition (HPSHIVA) project, the state plans to bring around 35 hectares under blueberry cultivation in Solan district, with the proposed initiative expected to benefit approximately 188 farmers.
The state government is working to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and orchardists by promoting climate-suitable fruit cultivation, protected farming and modern production techniques. Through technical and financial support under various horticulture initiatives, efforts are being made to establish blueberries as a high-value fruit crop in Solan district.
The expansion of blueberry cultivation is expected to encourage horticultural diversification, promote sustainable farming practices and create new income opportunities for farmers across the region.
