From Barren to Bloom: How a Single Project is Transforming Lives in Himachal’s Heartland
In the quiet foothills of Himachal Pradesh, a quiet revolution is taking root—literally. For farmers in Una district, the state government’s ambitious HP SHIVAA project is no longer just a scheme on paper; it’s the sound of a drill setting up a new drip irrigation line, the sight of sturdy new saplings, and the tangible hope of a better harvest.
With a massive investment of ₹1,292 crores, supported by the Asian Development Bank, the project is meticulously crafting a new story of prosperity for the state’s farmers and fruit growers. And Una is leading the way, showing how a perfect blend of modern technology, quality plants, and unwavering government support can genuinely change lives.
From a Single Block to a District-Wide Green Wave
What started as a pilot in the Bangana block is now poised to sweep across the entire district. The local horticulture department is buzzing with a clear goal.
“We are looking to bring around 224 hectares of land under the protective and productive wing of the HP SHIVAA project,” shared Dr. K.K. Bhardwaj, Deputy Director of Horticulture in Una, his voice reflecting the enthusiasm on the ground. He paints a picture of progress: over the last three years, 11 demonstration farms have blossomed in Bangana, transforming 11 hectares with fruitful plants like guava and pomegranate, serving as live classrooms for local farmers.
The real change, however, comes from the hand-holding. Farmers aren’t just given saplings; they are trained in everything from nurturing the plants to keeping pests at bay, leading to orchards that are not just more productive, but of remarkably better quality.
A Concrete Plan for a Greener Future
The numbers tell a powerful story of growth:
· This year (2024-25): 17,000 high-quality guava plants have already found a home on 15 hectares in Bangana.
· Next year (2025-26): The ambition grows, with plans to plant a whopping 55,000 plants—including guava, sweet lime (mosambi), and malta—across 50 hectares.
But the state’s commitment goes beyond just planting. Imagine being a farmer and being promised water for your new orchard. That’s exactly what’s happening. In a massive push, seven irrigation projects worth over ₹15 crores are underway to ensure every single farm under this project gets 100% irrigation. From reviving old water systems to building new check dams and installing drip lines, no stone is being left unturned. The best part? For the farmers, everything—from the fencing to the finest sapling—comes with a 100% grant.
The Human Impact: Faces Behind the Figures
The success is best measured not in hectares, but in human stories. In Bangana block alone, this past July and August, nine groups of farmers came together to plant 45,953 guava and malta plants. This collective effort directly benefited 386 families.
“The department is our partner now,” one could imagine a farmer saying. “They are with us from the first sapling to the final sale, helping us make horticulture a sustainable business.”
The vision extends far beyond Una. Launched by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the project aims to touch over 15,000 families across seven districts by 2028, bringing 6,000 hectares of land under professional horticulture. The goal is simple yet profound: to economically empower the small and marginal farmers who are the backbone of Himachal’s rural heartland.
Echoing this people-first approach, Una’s District Commissioner Jatin Lal said, “Our focus is on effective implementation. We are ensuring farmers get end-to-end support. We want this scheme to not only boost income but also inspire our youth to see a future, and a business, in farming.”
