From horticulture to herbiculture

The government proposes to take up commercial cultivation of some rare Himalayan herbs, mainly medicinal plants, and also give a boost to the cash-spinning floriculture sector. Some of these herbs are almost extinct because of rampant smuggling and unscientific exploitation by traders and locals.

Horticulture Minister Narinder Bragta said, “We will fully capitalise on the fruits’ economy, even selectively opening our doors to the corporate sector for marketing and post-harvest technologies. Yet, the mantra of the government will be diversification. Let’s shift over to herbs and floriculture,” he said.

Bragta has already held two meetings with top officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Horticulture) J.P. Negi. “While our primary target will be to engage unemployed rural youths, both in the herbiculture and floriculture sectors, we can harness the state’s potential in the cultivation of herbs and medicinal plants.”

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal puts Himachal’s potential in the herbiculture sector at Rs 1,400 crore a year. Even areas that are conventionally considered backward and unsuitable for horticulture operations can be brought under commercial cultivation of herbs.

Bragta, an apple farmer, said he proposes to consult experts from the Horticulture University and farmers before drawing up a concrete diversification plan. “We will adopt a cluster approach and select those medicinal plants and herbs that are commercially viable and could be grown under varied climatic conditions,” said the minister.

Floriculture will be another area of focus. Areas like Chuarh Valley—one of the 10 most backward blocks of the country—and Bilaspur district already supply fresh flowers to markets in Delhi and Chandigarh.

Bragta said he was not averse to the idea of the private sector taking up horticulture marketing. Corporate houses like Adani Agri-Fresh have already invested over Rs 120 crore in the state. Reliance has also entered the fruit marketing sector.

Bragta has moved another proposal for acquiring land in Chandigarh to build a Kisan Bhawan for farmers who visit the city to market their produce. The Kisan Bhawan in Delhi built during the BJP’s earlier tenure will also be made operational.