Himachal Pradesh Government

Himachal to become first state in formulating Horticulture Policy: CM
Rs. 1292 crore project to cover 6,000 hectare area of seven districts

Himachal Pradesh will become the first State in the country to formulate its Horticulture Policy aiming to enhance horticulture produce in the State and transform it into the fruit bowl of India. This was stated by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while reviewing the H.P. Shiva Project of the Horticulture department, here today.

The Chief Minister said that the Rs. 1292 crore project would cover 6000 hectares area in seven districts of the State. He emphasized on inter cropping and said that saplings of guava, citrus fruits, pomegranate, dragon fruit, blue berry and jack fruits would be planted in two phases. He directed the department to incorporate small and marginal farmers with this project, thereby strengthening their economy. He said that the state government was according top priority to strengthen the rural economy and horticulture sector could play a crucial role in uplifting the farming community.

Sh. Sukhu said that a total of 60 lakh fruit saplings would be planted under the project to cover 6000 hectares of land by 2028. Under the project, 4000 hectares of land would be covered in the first phase and remaining 2000 hectares in the second phase. He said that 1.30 lakh metric tonnes produce was expected out of this project by 2032 with approximately Rs. 230 crore trade value per annum. He said that this project would also provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to 82500 people of the State.

The Chief Minister directed the department to incorporate information technology and modern technology in this project to ensure remunerative prices to the farmers. He said that 70 percent of the population of the State resides in rural areas engaged in various farming activities. He instructed the department to provide necessary technical support and handholding to make this project successful.

Secretary Horticulture Priyanka Basu, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director Horticulture Vinay Singh and other senior officers of the state government were present in the meeting.

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Himachal Pradesh Bags Top Honour for Hydropower Capacity
Himachal Pradesh has been awarded the prestigious "Highest Achiever State in Overall Hydropower Capacity" at the Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, presented the award at the expo held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "This recognition validates our efforts to make Himachal Pradesh a 'Green Energy State' by 31^st March, 2026."

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi awarded Himachal with the honour at the Expo held today in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur and MLA Neeraj Nayyar received the award on behalf of the government.

Sh. Sukhu said that the government was taking rapid strides to make Himachal Pradesh 'a Green Energy State' by 31^st March, 2026. The state Government has introduced various measures to achieve this goal. The government has laid special focus on harnessing hydro power and renewable energy. A 32 MW Pekhubela solar power plant has been made operational in a record time span of six months and two more solar power projects, of 10 MW in Kutlehar and 5 MW at Bhanjal, were also coming up and would be dedicated to the people soon, said the Chief Minister. He added that these projects would go a long way in reducing the carbon emission and dependency on fossil fuels.

The Chief Minister said the government was promoting e-vehicles in the State, and petrol and diesel vehicles were being phased out in the government departments thereby enhancing the use of e-vehicles. He said that green industries were being promoted in a big way to save the environment of the State.

He thanked the people of the State for reposing faith in the government and it was due to their unwavering support that the government was successfully implementing various policies and programmes that would go a long way in making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant and prosperous state in next few years.

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Youth must develop values like integrity, discipline, honesty for success: Governor

Assume role of job providers: Sh. Shukla's message to youth at Foundation Day of IT company

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla stressed upon developing values of integrity, discipline, spirit of service and honesty among youth, especially young entrepreneurs. He was speaking as a Chief Guest at the 8th Foundation Day of VSERV Infosystems Private Ltd at New Delhi today.

Governor said that young entrepreneurs should focus on building their brand credibility among consumers, which would lead their endeavours on the path to success. He stressed upon working hard for personal growth as well as for the development of the nation. He said that youth should assume the role of job providers instead of job seekers.

He congratulated the Chief Operating Officer Raman Shukla for steering the company successfully in the IT sector.

He also released the company's annual magazine VSERVPEDIA on the occasion.

Team members of the company were also present on the occasion.

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Governor releases book on discourses held during Kumbh

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the book 'Mahakumbh - Bhartiya Sanskriti ki Ajastra Chetna' by Divya Prem Seva Mission, Haridwar New Delhi today. The book is a compilation of discourses held during Kumbh organised at Prayagraj. Published by Prabhat Prakashan, the book is edited by the Coordinator of Divya Prem Sewa Mission Sanjay Chaturvedi.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that India is the land of saints, and Kumbh is a living example of our rich heritage. He said that Kumbh witnesses the presence of highly evolved spiritual Gurus. Sh. Shukla stated: "It is also an assembly of scholars, saints and learned persons who hold rich discussions and discourses on spirituality, religion, yoga, ayurveda, Vedic astrology, mathematics and related subjects." These discussions and discourses not only go a long way in preserving our Vedic knowledge but also attract the attention of scholars worldwide, he added.

The Governor said that everyone should visit the highly sacred Kumbh which not only awakens the inner wisdom of human beings but also provides new direction to our lives. He said that scholars of all ideologies belonging to Sanatan Dharma participate in the event which provides a rich spectacle of our unity in diversity.

Ram Bahadur Rai, Senior Journalist and author who presided over the function, shared his rich thoughts on Kumbh and the importance of Sanatan Dharma and its preservation for coming generations.

Ashish Gautam, President Divya Prem Sewa Mission, offered insight into activities of the Mission and spoke about the content and objectives of the book.

Members of the Mission and distinguished persons from various walks of life were present on the occasion.

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International Kullu Dussehra curtain raiser ceremony held at New Delhi

Kullu Dussehra to be held from 13th to 19th October

Culture lovers to witness 'Fusion Cultural Programme' for the first time

Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Sunder Singh Thakur, also the Chairman of District Level International Kullu Dussehra Organizing Committee, said that the International Kullu Dussehra would be organised from 13th to 19th October, 2024 at Kullu this year. He said that efforts were being made to ensure participation of more countries this year, besides adding a special event 'Fusion Cultural Programme'. The new event would present a fusion of Indian and foreign cultural heritage, he stated, adding that the International Dance Festival would be the major highlight of the event showcasing culture of various participating countries along with the colorful folk dances of Himachal Pradesh.

Sh. Thakur was addressing the '30 Days to Go' Curtain Raiser Ceremony held in Himachal Sadan, New Delhi, late evening on Friday.

The CPS gave a glimpse of the historical tradition of Kullu Dussehra, which dates back to the 17th Century, and added that Kullu is the abode of about 365 local deities. He added that invitations have been sent to 332 local deities so far for this year's event.

He said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed to celebrate the event on a grand scale. Hence efforts were not only being made to improve the quality of events but the focus was also on the splendour and grandeur, the CPS remarked. He added that the seven days long event would be celebrated as per the custom of previous years, however, the Commercial Trade Fairs would continue till Diwali festival which includes Auto Fair, Exhibitions and Stalls put up by the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Textiles and various other organisations.

The Curtain Raiser Ceremony is being held at New Delhi to spread awareness among people in the Capital, as it offers a broader platform to publicise the event which showcases the rich cultural heritage of district Kullu and the state. The Dussehra Festival is a huge tourist attraction where people can also purchase exquisite items like handicrafts, woollen clothes and other traditional and local items.

The CPS stated that people from across the country and all over the world were welcome to visit Kullu and witness the festivities and spectacle of Dussehra. He said that Rath Yatra, Cultural Parade, Kullu Carnival, Lalhri, Sports Events, Kalakendra Performances and Trade Fair would be the main highlights of the Seven days long event.

The CPS also released the International Kullu Dussehra Brochure on the occasion.

Principal Resident Commissioner S.K. Singla detailed about the event.

Chief Conservator of Forests Neeraj Chadda and Assistant Commissioner to DC Kullu Shashi Pal Negi were also present on the occasion.

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Himachal showing path to other states in natural farming: Governor
International conference on natural farming organized at Nauni University

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said that the farmers of Himachal Pradesh were showing keen interest in adopting natural farming and it was a matter of great contentment that other states were also coming forward to adopting this method of farming.

He was addressing the two-day international conference on natural farming to enable sustainable food systems at Dr. Y.S. Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Nauni in Solan district, today. Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat was also present on the occasion as a special guest and keynote speaker,

Shri Shukla lauded the contribution of Nauni University in promoting natural farming across the country. He also appreciated the role of Acharya Devvrat, who revolutionized natural farming in Himachal Pradesh. He said that the growing popularity of this system was quite evident from the fact that about 1.94 lakh farmers of 3584 panchayats were growing diverse crops naturally on 34342 hectares of land.

The Governor said that NITI Aayog had also started the 'National Mission on Natural Farming' based on the model of Himachal Pradesh for the implementation of natural farming. “It is a matter of pride for a small state like Himachal that agricultural scientists, research scholars, tourists, farmers and agricultural officers from all over the country are visiting the models established in Himachal to get detailed information on natural farming”, said Shri Shukla.

He added that to understand the importance of natural farming, the government of India was constantly making efforts to promote it. The Central government had linked this method with the "Traditional Agriculture Development Scheme" and guidelines had been issued for its implementation.

"In the financial year 2024-25, around 36,000 new farmers will be connected to this system by adding 10 new farmers in every panchayat and they will be certified in natural farming through the portal. 10 new farmer-producer associations will be formed to empower the farmers and better marketing of their products", said the Governor.

Governor Acharya Devvrat congratulated the farmers of Himachal Pradesh for adopting natural farming and appreciated the efforts of scientists of the university for the promotion of natural farming. He highlighted the positive results of research done in this direction by various universities and said that this method of farming was necessary for future generations. He detailed the ill effects of global warming and the damage caused by the excessive use of urea and DAP to increase production. He emphasized on adopting natural farming instead of organic farming.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel said that Acharya Devvrat had started the natural campaign in Himachal. He thanked the Agriculture Department for their support in the successful implementation of this campaign in the state.

Dr. R.C. Aggarwal, Indian Council of Agriculture Research, New Delhi said that ICAR was providing all possible help for research and extension activities for natural farming.

Prof. Allison M Loconto, Deputy Director, LISIS, INRAE, France congratulated the Nauni University for organizing the international conference and said that INRAE was working in the field of agriculture practice, marketing, certification and lowering the agrochemical dependency and much more.

President, of the Indian Ecological Society, Himachal Chapter Dr. Pradeep Kumar said the farmers of the state were adopting natural farming extensively.

Director Extension, Education and Convener Organizing Committee Dr. Inder Dev, welcomed the Governors and Chairman, Organizing Committee Dr. S.K.Chauhan proposed a vote of thanks on the occasion.

Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma, Padam Shree Dr. Nek Ram and Vidyanand Sareik, Vice Chancellor of various universities and farmers were also present on the occasion.

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