Himachal’s Crop Diversification Model Earns Global Recognition

The Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Department has been awarded the first prize for its modern and scientific horticulture system, crop diversification model, and impressive display of high-value crops at the three-day International Agriculture, Horticulture and Organic Expo-2026 held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. This achievement has enhanced Himachal Pradesh’s prestige by establishing its unique identity at the national and international levels.
Horticulture Director Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma congratulated department officials, scientists, and the state’s horticulturists on this achievement, saying that this honor is the result of the collective efforts of Himachal’s farmers, scientists, and officials. He added that farmers, scientists, agricultural experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the country and abroad visited Himachal Pradesh’s stall at the exhibition.
Dr. Satish Sharma stated that this success is a direct result of the ongoing crop diversification campaign in the state, under the guidance of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi. He added that the state is no longer limited to being an apple state, but is rapidly progressing towards becoming a fruit state through fruit diversification, protected cultivation, and high-value crops. This will not only increase farmers’ income but will also give the state’s horticultural products a new identity in the national and international markets.
The Horticulture Director informed that various high value crops including dragon fruit, avocado, blueberry, kiwi, cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, lily and GI tagged Kinnauri apple were displayed in the exhibition. During the exhibition, Senior Plant Protection Officer Dr. Bhupinder Singh Negi, Subject Matter Expert of Horticulture Centre of Excellence Shilaru Dr. Kushal Singh Mehta and Beekeeper Damesh Kumar Sharma provided information on modern horticulture schemes, scientific farming and climate friendly agricultural techniques to thousands of farmers and visitors.
Dr. Mala Sharma, Project Director, Mission for Integrated Horticulture Development, said that new crops like dragon fruit, avocado, blueberry, and lily are being introduced to farmers through front line demonstration (FLD) programs.