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Himachal posts record fruit production

Staff Correspondent

SHIMLA: The hill State of Himachal Pradesh has achieved a record fruit production of 6.92 lakh metric tons this year, which is 1.32 lakh metric ton more than last year. Of this the apple alone contributed 5.28 lakh MT, informed the State Horticulture Minister Singhi Ram here on Wednesday.

While reviewing the development of Horticulture department and Corporations related to it, the Minister said that the State had exported 2.42 crores of apple boxes this year against 2.37 crores boxes during last year. In addition to this, the State had also produced 4700 MT of mushrooms, 1547 MT of honey and 28 MT of hops, a plant used in making beer.

Referring to the activities of National Horticulture Technology Mission, Mr. Singhi Ram said the mission was getting popularity with the horticulturists of the hill State. Besides bringing 5993 hectare area under fruits, flowers, vegetables, medicinal and ornamental plants and spices during last three years, he said that 348 water storage tanks and 230 tube wells were constructed in the State.

He said that to create popularity for organic farming among the growers, 286 Vermi Compost Units have been set up. Five big nurseries, ten small nurseries and two tissue culture labs were also established in public and private sectors besides two herbal gardens.

He claimed that 79 power tillers were distributed to the growers under the Horticulture Technology Mission.

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Himachal posts record fruit production

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