Shimla, Dec 7 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh has begun promoting cultivation of exotic varieties of fruits to ensure that farmers were not hit by a fall in production of traditional crops due to changing weather patterns, according to Horticulture Minister Narender Bragta.
“We are promoting new and improved varieties of peach, pear, plum, hazelnut and walnut. These varieties will not only ensure good yield but also be remunerative for growers,” Bragta told IANS.

“In some areas, particularly in the mid-hills, the apple crop is suffering due to decline in chilly days. So we are asking farmers to start switching to peach, pear and plum farming in place of apple,” he said.

The new fruit varieties are being imported from Switzerland, Holland, the US and China.

“The government is also trying to promote cultivation of grapes in the lower and mid-hills. Imported varieties will be provided to farmers in Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Hamirpur and Kangra districts.”

The fruit economy of Himachal Pradesh is estimated at around Rs.2,000 crore, with the sector flourishing mainly in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and Chamba districts.

The state is one of India’s major apple-producing regions, with over 200,000 families engaged in the cultivation of the fruit.

Besides apple, fruits like pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, kiwi, strawberry, olives, almonds and plums are other major commercial crops of the state.