HP to go for commercialisation of floriculture, says Bragta

Shimla, Jan 15 (UNI) In a bid to boost and strengthen the economy of the farmers and the orchardists, the Himachal Pradesh Government is considering a proposal for the commercialisation of floriculture besides encouraging herbal culture in the state.

''Commercialisation of floriculture and involvement of educated youth in the emerging industry is the need of hour. We will ensure maximum utilisation of floriculture potential of the state and thereby creating new avenues of self employment for the educated youth in floriculture sector,'' state Horticulture and Technical Education Minister Narender Baragta said here.

He said thrust would be given to explore the possibilities of developing floriculture as gainful activity in the state, keeping in view the interest of the farmers and orchardists.

Besides apple cultivation of citrus fruits would also be promoted in the state to maximise the benefits of horticulturists, he said.

''There is immense potential in this sector and we will ensure maximum exploitation from horticulture, besides bringing diversification,'' he said, adding that in changed scenario officials would be expected to be more efficient and effective in rendering services to the public.

Mr Bragta said basic changes would be brought in infrastructure of technical education system so that unemployed youth could get meaningful training.

UNI XC AS HS MMS SW RK1935