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Himachal’s Annual Horticulture Income is Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 crores: HP Govt
Shimla-Himachal Pradesh’s annual income from Horticulture is approximately Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 crores, the state government informed on September 1, 2019.
At present, 2.30 lakh hectare area is under horticulture. Fruit production has been increased to 10.38 lakh MT in 2019. About 9 lakh people are involved in horticulture activities for their livelihood. More than 30.37 lakh fruit plants have been distributed among farmers of the State and approximately 8446.93-hectare additional area was brought under horticulture in the state during the present government, it was informed.
An area of 83,677 sq. m. has been covered under greenhouse and 9,44,215 sq. m. area has been covered under Anti-Hail Nets under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in the State. A subsidy has been provided for 3,049 power-operated equipment and construction of 198 water collection tanks for the benefits of farmers in the state, the government said.
About 349.90 MT pesticides involving Rs. 5.21 crore subsidy has been supplied to the farmers of State. About 371 Procurement centres were opened for apple, mango and citrus fruits and 27,348.91 MT fruit worth Rs.2064.74 lakh has been bought from farmers under Market Intervention Scheme and 1,33,333 plastic crates were also procured to distribute among the farmers for categorization and marketing of fruit, the government informed.
Under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), Rs. 3.50 crore has been approved for the various developmental activities in the horticulture sector. About 196 machines operated Knapsack Sprayers and 1500 manually operated horticulture machines have been provided to the farmers under this programme, the government said.
Total 1,61,524 farmers have been covered under the Restructured-Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) implemented during the year 2017-18. This scheme is being implemented in 110 Blocks for Apple, Mango, Citrus, Plum and Peach. As many as 70,104 horticulturists of affected areas were provided insurance amount of Rs. 49.94 crore out of which Rs. 18.89 crores were given by the State government, it was informed.
There were losses due to heavy snowfall, hail and heavy rains during this period. State Government has released a sum of Rs. 2.7 crore under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)/Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) to the Horticulture Department.
State Government is providing free advisory services to the fruit growers of the State to inform them about the nutritional status of their orchards. Under this service, 20,000 leaf samples are analyzed every year.
World Bank aided Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project of Rs. 1134 Crore is being implemented in the State since the 2016-17. During the year 2018-19, about 3,76,500 lakh fruit plants of Apple, Pear and Walnut worth 25 lakh were imported and 16,312 plants of Mango, Litchi, Guava and Citrus worth 9 lakh have been procured from other States to distribute amongst farmer, the government informed.
As many as 90,734 horticulturists were given training through personal contact, training camps, seminars and training tours. Under the project, 58 officers have been trained outside the State to upgrade their knowledge in the field of horticulture. Besides this, international experts from New Zealand also imparted training to 320 horticulture officers and 501 farmers in the State during the present government.
State Government has launched m-Kisan programme for the benefit of the farming community of the State and, so far, 7,68,774 farmers have been registered under this scheme during the present government.
Besides this, the Asian Development Bank aided Rs. 1688 Crore project for the development of Subtropical Fruits has been proposed for implementation in the State, the government said.
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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