INVC,,
Shimla,,
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, today released ‘Himachal Pradesh Main Bagwani Vikas Ke Naye Aayam’ a multi-colour book brought out by the Department of Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh, depicting the policies and programmes envisioned, implemented and targets achieved by the Department for the benefit of horticulturists.
Chief Minister congratulated Shri Narender Bragta, Horticulture Minister and Department of Horticulture for successfully implementing a number of innovative schemes aimed at strengthening the horticulture sector, which included Rs. 85 crore Apple Re-plantation Scheme, successfully experimenting the Anti-Hail Gun to protect horticulture produce from hail storms. He said that Horticulture Sector had been contributing significantly towards the State Gross Domestic Product and the State Government was too committed to strengthen the sector keeping in view the economy of the State. He said that with the progressive policies and programmes of the State Government the economy of the horticulture sector had thrived tremendously. He said that with importing of high yielding varieties of the apple root stock and distribution amongst the horticulturists after multiplication by various research institutes, the State had made its name for quality horticulture produce in the country. He said that modernization of packing and grading houses were likely to further boost prospectus of the horticulturists as it would ensure quality wise packing and grading of the crop.
Chief Minister said that the State Government was strengthening marketing infrastructural facilities to facilitate the producers by providing them marketing facilities near to their homes and save them from exploitation at the hands of middlemen. He said that traders were now visiting Himachal Pradesh to buy the produce and pay growers remunerative returns. He said that a modern well equipped modern marketing yard was coming up at Parala near Theog which would be connected with dedicated road with outside markets. He hoped that the publication would be of immense use not only to the growers but common man as well in knowing about the achievements of the State during past four and half a year.
Shri Narender Bragta, Horticulture Minister, thanked Chief Minister for his patronage to the horticulture activities which had strengthened the economy of the growers. He said that new milestones had been established in Horticulture sector during regime of the present government and economy of growers got strengthened. He detailed achievements of the department and said that interests of growers had been protected fully. He said that the book had covered all such achievements besides detailing the schemes for the benefit of growers.
Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, Shri Rakesh Pathania, MLAs, Dr. Gurdev Singh, Director of Horticulture and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
