SHIMLA: In spite of unfavourable weather conditions, the tiny hill State of Himachal Pradesh is expected to achieve a growth rate of 8.2 per cent for 2005-06 as per advance estimates made on the basis of economic conditions up to December 2005. This was disclosed by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while tabling the State's Economic Survey for 2005-06.

The GSDP at current prices during 2004-05 was estimated at Rs. 20,093 crores as against Rs. 18,062 crores in 2003-04.

The per capita income at current prices witnessed an increase of 9.7 per cent as it rose to Rs 27486 in 2004-05 from Rs 25059 in 2003-04. This increase in total State Domestic Product is mainly attributed to 9.5 per cent growth in primary sectors, 7.3 per cent in secondary sectors, 8.9 per cent in Transport and Trade and 2.4 per cent in Service Sector, says the Economic Survey.

Agricultural production, which mainly affects the growth rate, has also shown considerable increase, according to the Survey. Food grain production, which was 13.98 lakh MT during 2003-04, increased to 16.36 lakh MT during 2004-05 and is expected to maintain this level in 2005-06 also.

Fruit production increased by 23.6 per cent from 5.60 lakh MT in 2003-04 to 6.92 lakh MT in 2004-05 and during 2005-06 production was 6.78 lakh MT (up to Dec.2005).

The Survey has shown that there was a minor fluctuation in the 90s due to a small growth in agricultural and allied activities. The average annual growth rate remained more or less stable at 5.7 per cent, at par with the national level. However, after the shift from agriculture to industry and service sector the contribution of agriculture in the total State Domestic Product has declined and that of industries and services have increased considerably.

The State Working Class Consumer Price Index number during 2005-06 increased by 4.3 pc between April to November, 2005 as against 4.5 per cent at national level. The State, according to the Survey, is generating 1295 million units of electricity and has involved the private sector in hydroelectric generation and supply of power.

Another contributor to the GDP, the tourism sector is also developing and the number of tourist has increased. There is a significant increase of 8.9 per cent in the State's taxes and 26.6 per cent of increase in the revenue receipts this year, according to the Economic Survey report.

The Chief Minister who also holds the finance portfolio will present the budget for the State on Friday.

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