With the concept of global market world over, introduction of latest research and development was necessary to keep pace with the developments in horticulture sector, this was stated by Horticulture Minister Smt. Vidya stokes while presiding over the review meeting of Department of Horticulture, here today.
During the review meeting Smt. Vidya Stokes said that 222595 farmers have been benefited under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) so far and Rs. 29520.070 lakhs were spent on the same. She also stressed on the need for developing water sources and efficient water application and distribution system through modern techniques like micro-irrigation (drip & sprinkler) under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna(PMKSY).
The Minister said that the State Government was implementing World Bank assisted Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project worth Rs. 1169.15 crores. Under this scheme high quality fruit plants of apple, pear, plum, peach, cherry and clonal root stocks of these fruit plant would be imported from horticulturally advanced countries, she added. She said that 2.23 lakh plants have been already imported under the HPHDP World Bank assisted project and around 30,000 plants under Horticulture Mission. She instructed the authorities to plan very systematically in advance for smooth and fair distribution of the planting material.
Smt. Vidya Stokes said that the State Government has provided Rs. 10 crore during this year for clearing the previous liability of power sprays and tillers on the “first come first serve basis” to benefit maximum numbers of the farmers. She said that a scheme has been launched to provide self employment to rural youth wherein five unemployed youth from panchayats of the State would be imparted training in pruning and chip budding to facilitate the orchardists.
Speaking on the occasion Smt. Vidya Stokes said that horticulture has played a vital role in the development of the economy of Himachal Pradesh and was emerging as a model of horticulture in the country. She said that the one third cultivable area of the State was under horticulture which has now risen to 224354 hectares.
She said that the State Government has decided to provide 40 percent additional budget on central sponsored scheme to give overall 80 percent subsidy for the promotion and encouragement of the unemployed youth to adopt beekeeping as an avocation. She said that the provision of liberal subsidy on beekeeping would further boost the productivity of fruit crops in the state.
The Horticulture Minister further said that during the current financial year budget to cover nine lakh square meter area under anti hail nets for protection of fruit crops would be provided. She directed the authorities to move the proposal for acquisition of budget for procurement of anti hail nets.
Smt. Vidya Stokes asked officers of the department to make proactive efforts to achieve the targets and stressed on the need to create awareness amongst the farmers about various schemes launched by the State Government through training camps, seminars, on farm demonstrations, publicity through literature, print and electronic media.
Horticulture, Principal Secretary, Shri J. C. Sharma also spoke on the occasion.
Horticulture Department, Director, Shri D. P. Bhangalia welcomed and honoured the minister.
Senior officers of the Horticulture department were also present in the meeting.