From Soil to Success: How a Pomegranate Cluster is Sweetening Lives in Himachal
In the serene foothills of Himachal Pradesh, a quiet revolution is taking root. In the Tehri cluster of Barthin, the branches of pomegranate trees are heavy with ripening fruit, painting a vibrant picture of prosperity and hope. This isn’t just a harvest; it’s the fruition of a dream for 44 local farmers whose lives are being transformed, one ruby-red fruit at a time.
The story of this success is deeply intertwined with the state’s HP Shiva Project. For many farmers here, horticulture is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Recognizing this, the Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has invested significantly, channeling ₹100 crores this year alone to empower growers in the state’s lower regions. The results, as seen in Barthin, are tangibly sweet.
Walking through the lush, 100-bigha orchard, the sense of community is palpable. The project began modestly in 2021 with a small demonstration plot. Seeing its potential, farmers like Prem Lal Nadda banded together, forming a cooperative and expanding the cluster. “Last year, some of us earned between ₹1-1.5 lakh,” shares Nadda, now the President of their marketing cooperative. “This season, the crop is even better. We’re hoping for double, even triple that income for many.”
The transformation goes beyond just planting trees. The project brought essential infrastructure: solar fencing to protect the crops, drip irrigation to conserve water, and even a dedicated 2-lakh-litre water tank ensuring the orchards never thirst. It’s a holistic approach to farming, blending traditional knowledge with modern technology.
For farmer Som Dev Sharma, the change has been personal. “Last year’s income was good, but this year feels like a leap,” he says, a smile evident in his voice. With 125 plants, each expected to yield 25-30 kg of the coveted ‘Bhagwa’ variety—known for being seedless, juicy, and sweet—he anticipates earnings of ₹3-4 lakh. He’s even maximized his land by growing marigolds between the trees, adding an extra ₹25,000 to his income.
The real pride for these farmers lies in the quality of their produce. They eagerly explain that the Bhagwa pomegranate is a favourite for all ages—its thin skin and abundant juice making it a hassle-free, healthy snack.
The human support system is as crucial as the infrastructure. The Horticulture Department hasn’t just provided funds; it’s provided people. Facilitators and field operators are a constant presence, offering technical guidance and ensuring farmers never feel alone in this journey.
The message from the fields of Barthin is clear and compelling. This initiative is more than an agricultural policy; it’s an invitation. An invitation to the youth of Himachal to look towards their own soil for opportunity, to become self-reliant, and to write their own success stories, rooted in community and growth. As Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar puts it, “The goal is empowerment. We urge everyone to embrace these schemes, not just for individual benefit, but to strengthen the entire community.” And in Barthin, that community is thriving.
