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New Zealand’s high apple yield tempts Himachal
Himachal to collaborate with New Zealand for the supply of expertise and technology to boost the Horticulture and agriculture sectors in Himachal
New Zealand would be extending co-operation to Himachal Pradesh in strengthening the horticulture and agriculture sectors by providing expertise and technology transfers. This follows a meeting of Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal with visiting high level official and business delegation headed by Minister of Primary Industries of New Zealand, Shri David Carter, at his official residence, here today.
Chief Minister welcomed the proposal of the New Zealand Government to collaborate with the State in technology transfer in the field of horticulture and agriculture sectors. He said that horticulture was the major cash crop in the state and was contributing significantly towards state gross domestic product while agriculture had been the traditional avocation in the State as over 90 percent of the population was directly or indirectly dependant for their livelihood over agriculture. He said mutual collaboration between the two countries would be beneficial to the state in the field of horticulture and agriculture sectors. He said that the State had only 4 to 9 MT per hectare of apple yield as compared to over 25 MT per hectare yield in New Zealand. He said that the State would import quality and early variety root-stock of apple from New Zealand for multiplication in different laboratories in the State for further distribution amongst the horticulturists.
Prof. Dhumal said that most of the horticulture and agricultural activities in the state were based upon rain fed irrigation compared to cent percent irrigation facilities in New Zealand. He said that the apple season in the State starts from July end and concludes by October end every year while in New Zealand the season starts in April and ends by June. He said that possibilities could also be explored to meet the demand of fresh apple during off season in the State. He said that the State was keen to take benefit of the expertise in creating irrigation infrastructural facilities to the fruit growers and farmers so that dependence upon rains was minimized. He said that creating cold chain to preserve the fruit and vegetables grown in the state could also be beneficial with mutual cooperation between Himachal Pradesh and New Zealand. He said that since apple crop was highly perishable commodity having limited shelf life and with the facilities of cold chain, the shelf life of the fruit and vegetables could be prolonged to fetch remunerative prices by marketing the same at appropriate time.
Prof. Dhumal said that fruit processing industry was another field where New Zealand could lend its support to the state so that instead of marketing the produce to distant markets the same were processed to produce value based products for marketing. He said that it would go a long way in generating employment and self employment to the growers within the State.
He said that Himachal Pradesh was popularly known as ‘Apple State of India’ and was poised to emerge as ‘Fruit Bowl of India’. He also apprised the delegation of the industrial friendly environment in the State and benefits available to the entrepreneurs. He underlined the need to work out further details at appropriate level to finalize the proposals and invited New Zealand delegation to make more frequent visits to the State to explore other sectors.
Shri Davit Carter, Minister of Primary Industries, New Zealand, apprised the Chief Minister of the possibilities of mutual cooperation between New Zealand and Himachal Pradesh in both sectors. He said that Himachal Pradesh had vast potential to increase apple yield by planting high yielding varieties and replacement of old root stock where New Zealand could lend its support. He said that similarly technology transfer in agriculture sector could be another sector where New Zealand could provide its expertise. He said that New Zealand would explore more sectors where mutual cooperation could be strengthened. He introduced the business delegation to the Chief Minister who individually showed their interests in investing in Himachal Pradesh.
New Zealand delegation consisted of Smt. Heather Carter wife of Shri David Carter, Minister of Primary Industries, Smt. Shari Mannan, Private Secretary, Shri Cris Carson, Director International Policy, Smt. Jan Henderson, High Commissioner of New Zealand, Shri Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi, MP from New Zealand, Shri Richard White, Trade Comissioner, Shri Gareth Pidgeon, Second Secretary, Ms. Mridu Vats, Policy Advisor. Business Delegation consisted of Shri James McVitty, Fonterra, Shri Jogn Monaghan, Fontera, Shri Ross Verry, ANZ Bank, Shri Sunil Kaushal, India-NZ Business Council/ANZ Bank, Shri Sameer Handa and Shri Swantantra Gagneja, Patton Refrigeration, Shri Jon Calder and Tony Begbie, NZ Fieldays, Shri Tim Ritche, NZ Meat Industry Association, Shri Nadine Tunley and Shri Alan Pollard, Pipfruit New Zealand, Shri Grand Sinclair, Mr. Apple NZ Limited and Shri Mike Simpson, Waimea Nurseries. Shri R.S.Gupta, Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister and Dr. Gurdev Singh, Director of Horticulture were also present on the occasion
Press note: Information & Public Relation, HP Govt.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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