Himachal Pradesh Teams Up with Griva for High-Yield Apple Varieties
Agreement with Griva
The Himachal Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Griva, a foreign company, to supply high-yielding apple cultivars. These plants will be multiplied locally and provided to farmers at lower costs, according to the Horticulture Minister.
Challenges with Existing Apple Varieties
The Horticulture Minister highlighted that the state lacks advanced apple varieties developed domestically, forcing farmers to rely on expensive imported plants. Currently, farmers pay around ₹750 per imported plant, often purchasing non-quarantined saplings from unregulated nurseries. This practice increases the risk of disease and crop failure. To address this, the government has launched efforts to curb illegal plant supply and seize uncertified shipments.
Government’s Solution
Developing indigenous, disease-resistant apple varieties will take at least a decade. Meanwhile, the government plans to collaborate with reputable global nurseries. Imported cultivars will be multiplied at Bajwara and sold to farmers at ₹300 per plant, while advanced varieties costing around ₹500 will be subsidized to ₹400.
Concerns from Farmers and Experts
Several policymakers and agricultural experts have raised concerns about the high costs of uncertified plants from neighboring states. They have emphasized the need for stricter quarantine measures and increased domestic research to reduce dependence on foreign varieties.
Future Outlook
The Horticulture Minister emphasized that while long-term research is crucial, the government’s immediate focus is to ensure quality planting material for farmers. Strengthening local research institutions and enforcing strict plant quarantine regulations will also remain a priority. This initiative aims to boost apple production, reduce costs for farmers, and secure the long-term sustainability of Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry.
Himachal Pradesh Teams Up with Griva for High-Yield Apple Varieties
Himachal Pradesh Teams Up with Griva for High-Yield Apple Varieties
Agreement with Griva
The Himachal Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Griva, a foreign company, to supply high-yielding apple cultivars. These plants will be multiplied locally and provided to farmers at lower costs, according to the Horticulture Minister.
Challenges with Existing Apple Varieties
The Horticulture Minister highlighted that the state lacks advanced apple varieties developed domestically, forcing farmers to rely on expensive imported plants. Currently, farmers pay around ₹750 per imported plant, often purchasing non-quarantined saplings from unregulated nurseries. This practice increases the risk of disease and crop failure. To address this, the government has launched efforts to curb illegal plant supply and seize uncertified shipments.
Government’s Solution
Developing indigenous, disease-resistant apple varieties will take at least a decade. Meanwhile, the government plans to collaborate with reputable global nurseries. Imported cultivars will be multiplied at Bajwara and sold to farmers at ₹300 per plant, while advanced varieties costing around ₹500 will be subsidized to ₹400.
Concerns from Farmers and Experts
Several policymakers and agricultural experts have raised concerns about the high costs of uncertified plants from neighboring states. They have emphasized the need for stricter quarantine measures and increased domestic research to reduce dependence on foreign varieties.
Future Outlook
The Horticulture Minister emphasized that while long-term research is crucial, the government’s immediate focus is to ensure quality planting material for farmers. Strengthening local research institutions and enforcing strict plant quarantine regulations will also remain a priority. This initiative aims to boost apple production, reduce costs for farmers, and secure the long-term sustainability of Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry.
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