Himachal’s Orchard Future: Stone Fruits Take Center Stage at National Conclave in Kotgarh
In the heart of Himachal’s apple country, a new chapter in horticulture is beginning — and it’s all about stone fruits. At a vibrant national conclave held in Thanedhar, Kotgarh, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing this promising sector with policy support, training, research, and marketing infrastructure.
Organized by the Stone Fruits Association of Himachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and the University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, the event drew over 600 farmers, including participants from outside the state. Experts from academia, industry, and even international delegates from Spain and New Zealand shared insights on everything from climate-resilient varieties and disease prevention to post-harvest techniques and value-added processing.
Negi highlighted a major hurdle: the lack of high-quality planting material. To address this, the state has signed an MoU with an Italian company to produce 50,000 high-density plants. “We must aim for excellence — not just in quantity, but in quality,” he said, pointing to global leaders like New Zealand as inspiration.
Local MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore praised the conclave’s role in advancing horticulture, while Vice Chancellor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel of UHF Nauni announced plans to host the next conclave, signaling continued momentum.
Exhibition stalls showcased cutting-edge stone fruit varieties and technologies, sparking curiosity and optimism among attendees. As Himachal looks to diversify beyond apples, the conclave marked a hopeful step toward a more resilient and fruitful future for its farmers.
