HP takes steps to promote horticulture

Shimla, Aug 8 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh government was taking effective steps to help fruit growers in the state earn more and was committed to protect the interests of horticulturists in the state, a spokesman of the Horticulture Department said here today.

The spokesman said that 'Cost Subsidy' on various types of cartons and 'Transport Subsidy' on the imports of eucalyptus poplar boxes wood (phatties/geltus) was being provided so that not only valuable forest wealth of the state could be protected but also packing cases may be available at reasonable prices to the fruit growers.

During early 1990's, the percentage of wood used for packing cases was about 50 percent, which now come down to about five percent as the growers had opted for cardboard cartons, he added.

He said that under Carton Subsidy Scheme, the State Government provides cost subsidy on the cartons being supplied by the State nominated agencies including HPMC, HIMFED, HPAIC, AIPIL and KINFED (only for Kinnaur district) to the growers for the packing and marketing of fruits, especially apples.

The government agencies were also providing cheap and durable cartons to the growers, he said.

UNI