Mandi (Kameshwar Sharma): Mandi Farmers Earn Lakhs as HP SHIVA Plum Farming Success Reaches New Markets, creating fresh opportunities for horticulture growers across Himachal Pradesh. The HP SHIVA Project has strengthened the rural economy and increased farmers’ incomes through commercial plum cultivation.
HP SHIVA Project Drives Horticulture Growth
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh government has given top priority to horticulture development. As a result, farmers in low-altitude areas now benefit from modern farming methods, quality planting material, irrigation support, and better market access.
The project has brought major changes to Mandi district. Farmers from the Brikhmani Cluster in Balh Block and the Khagraon Cluster in Sundernagar have successfully cultivated premium-quality plums. Moreover, these fruits are now reaching major markets across India, including Maharashtra.
Farmer Success Story from Khagraon
Sanjay Kumar from Khagraon is among the farmers benefiting from the initiative. He planted plum orchards under theHP SHIVA Plum Farming Project in 2022. Today, his cluster includes 26 farmers cultivating plums across nearly 11.5 hectares.
This season, the cluster has produced fruit worth around ₹3 lakh. Furthermore, Sanjay Kumar alone has earned nearly ₹2 lakh from plum cultivation. According to him, buyers paid between ₹220 and ₹235 per kilogram for premium-quality plums sold in Kullu and Bhuntar markets.
Consequently, many farmers now see plum cultivation as a profitable long-term opportunity.
Government Support Strengthens Farmers
Farmers in the cluster grow several plum varieties, including Black Amber and Santa Rosa. In addition, the state government has provided extensive support for orchard development.
Growers received assistance for bore wells, pump houses, irrigation systems, and other essential infrastructure. They also benefited from support under MGNREGA for construction-related work.
Moreover, horticulture experts regularly guide farmers on orchard management, crop care, pest control, and scientific farming practices. Therefore, productivity and fruit quality have improved significantly.
Training Helps Improve Market Readiness
Initially, the orchards produced limited yields because the plants were still young. However, commercial-scale production has now started, leading to higher output and better earnings.
To help farmers maximize profits, the Horticulture Department organized training programs on scientific harvesting, grading, sorting, packaging, and post-harvest management.
As a result, growers improved product quality and successfully met market requirements. Their plums fetched attractive prices ranging from ₹150 to ₹230 per kilogram in major markets.
Maharashtra Market Opens New Opportunities
A major achievement of the HP SHIVA Project is its success in connecting farmers with national buyers.
The Horticulture Department established contact with GO4FRESH, a leading agri-supply company in Maharashtra. Subsequently, the first sample shipment of plums from these clusters was sent to Maharashtra.
This step has expanded market opportunities beyond local mandis. Furthermore, it has increased confidence among farmers looking to grow high-value horticultural crops.
Bright Future for Himachal Horticulture
The success of the HP SHIVA Plum Farming Project highlights the vast potential of subtropical fruit cultivation in Himachal Pradesh. It also demonstrates how government support, modern technology, and farmer dedication can transform rural livelihoods.
As more growers join similar initiatives, the state’s horticulture sector is expected to expand further. Consequently, farmers will gain access to better markets, higher prices, and sustainable income opportunities.
Key Points of the news:
- Mandi farmers are earning lakhs through the HP SHIVA Project.
- Premium-quality plums now reach markets in Maharashtra and other states.
- Farmer Sanjay Kumar earned nearly ₹2 lakh from plum cultivation.
- Government support includes irrigation facilities, infrastructure, and training.
- GO4FRESH has started sourcing plum samples from Himachal Pradesh growers.
