HP poised to emerge 'fruit bowl of India'

Shimla, Aug 25 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the state is poised to emerge the 'Fruit Bowl of India', while addressing the farmars conferencre organised by Dr Y S Parmar University at Nauni in district Solan.

He laid the foundation stone of Dr R S Negi Auditoriam to be constructed at a cost of eight crore rupees and farmer hostel at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore within the university complex.

The Chief Minister said over 90 per cent of state population was engaged in farming activities and were dependent for their livelihood upon the same.

He said Rs 80 crore Horticulture Technology Mission was supplementing the endeavours of the sate government in consolidation of horticulture sector.

''Dr Parmar's dreams were being realised by the university scientists who had innovated the new species of fruit plants, flowers, mushroom and other products to generate employment and self-employment to the rural youth'' he said.

Mr Singh emphasised the need to disseminate the agro-horticulture innovation down to the farmers so that they were benefited with the new technology in enhancing their yields thereby strengthening their farm economy.

''The university scientists were doing commendable work in horticulture and forestry thereby contributing significantly to strengthen the agriculture and horticulture sector in the State,'' he said.

UNI