Himachal farmers prefer growing nectarines to traditional fruits

Kullu, June 4 (ANI): Farmers in Himachal Pradesh are moving from cultivation of traditional crops like apples to growing the more exotic nectarine.

Nectarine cultivation has proved to be a better source of income, as the yield is good and unlike apples, the fruit does not need to be grown at great heights.

The state's University of Horticulture and Forestry has brought in 12 different varieties of nectarine. They have given three samples to each farmer, promising two more in the upcoming year.

"We are investigating the market. Some of the samples of our research centres, which we send in the fruit market, on an average it is sold at Rs. 40 to 60 per kilogram. Even if the nectarine is sold as Rs. 30 per kilogram, the farmers will earn fair amount of profit," said Yashwant Singh Parmar, Associate Director of Research Centre, Bajoura.

The Horticulture Department has prompted farmers to be actively involved in the entire process of nectarine cultivation.

Nectarines range in colour from red, pink, yellow or white and the fruit was brought from USA. (ANI)