SHIVA project bringing agri transformation: Negi

In a significant step towards improving the economic well-being of farmers and horticulturists in Himachal Pradesh, the state government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is actively promoting a series of welfare schemes. Among the most ambitious of these is the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition (HP SHIVA) Project, which aims to shift the focus from traditional farming methods to the cultivation of high-value cash crops.

During his visit to the Nachan Assembly constituency yesterday, Horticulture, Revenue, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi inspected several horticulture clusters established under the SHIVA project. Speaking at a public gathering following the inspections, he highlighted the project’s role in transforming the lives of farmers by encouraging them to adopt modern horticultural practices and techniques, ultimately increasing their income.

While touring the region, the minister reviewed the progress of several fruit clusters. In Palohata and Kuthai, 7,499 kinnow (mosambi) plants had been planted over 6.75 hectares, benefiting 36 farmers. In another part of Palohata, 9,699 Japanese persimmon saplings were found flourishing across 8.73 hectares, supporting 26 individuals. Yet another cluster in the same area had 3,806 persimmon plants on 6.08 hectares, bringing benefits to 75 people. In Manjhog Dhanyut, 4,388 plum trees had been planted over 6.63 hectares, helping improve the livelihoods of 47 farmers.

To ensure optimal growth and yield, the Horticulture Department has provided each of these clusters with solar fencing and efficient irrigation systems. Minister Negi engaged directly with local farmers, encouraging them to integrate traditional crops with modern horticulture, backed by government support and scientific techniques. He emphasised that the state government is especially focusing on increasing fruit production in the lower-altitude regions by developing fully functional orchards and gradually handing them over to the farmers under the SHIVA project.

He also directed horticulture officials to make sure that all government schemes and horticultural innovations are easily accessible to farmers at the grassroots level.

During his visit, the minister also took time to explain the provisions and benefits of the Forest Rights Act to local residents. Additionally, he held a public grievance session, patiently listening to the concerns of the people and instructing relevant officials to ensure timely resolution of their issues.

The visit underscored the state government’s strong commitment to transforming agriculture and horticulture into more lucrative and sustainable livelihoods for the farming community of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Tribune