The year 2025 is being hailed as a golden chapter in the horticultural history of Himachal Pradesh. Despite facing significant natural challenges such as incessant rainfall, landslides, and road blockages, the State Government rose to the occasion. Through its visionary policies, timely decisions, and sensitive leadership, it not only managed the crisis but also propelled the horticulture sector to unprecedented success.
Under the leadership of CM Sukhu, the government adopted a positive, transparent, and farmer-centric approach. These strategies have brought about systemic transformation in the sector, setting a new benchmark for governance and agricultural development in the state.
The 2025 apple season stands out as the most successful in Himachal’s history. Even amidst disrupted roads and adverse conditions, the State Government and the Horticulture Department acted swiftly to restore transport routes, ensuring that apple growers could reach markets without delay. This ensured timely sale and better pricing of their produce.
According to data from the Himachal Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board, as of 3rd October 2025, a total of 2,60,83,458 apple boxes were traded, compared to 1,82,63,874 boxes in 2024—a remarkable 43% increase over the previous year. This substantial growth demonstrates both improved production and more efficient marketing mechanisms.
Himachal apples witnessed unprecedented demand in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi—one of the largest wholesale fruit markets in Asia. A-grade Royal Delicious apples were sold at Rs. 2,300 per 20-kg box, while Golden Delicious fetched Rs. 1,200 per box, reflecting the superior quality and strong consumer trust in Himachal’s produce.
Under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) recorded procurement of 83,788 metric tonnes of apples—one of the highest in the scheme’s history. This intervention offered timely financial relief to thousands of apple growers, particularly small and marginal farmers.
Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi emphasized that the government has consistently prioritized the welfare of fruit growers. Immediate restoration of roads, facilitation of transport, and effective market operations have helped ensure that growers receive fair and timely prices for their harvest.
In its continued efforts toward long-term, sustainable development, the government is implementing several farmer-friendly schemes under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission. As part of this initiative, the state received a first installment of Rs. 25 crore, with Rs. 22.50 crore from the Central Government and Rs. 2.50 crore as the State’s share.
Of this, Rs. 14.50 crore has already been disbursed to support farmers across various components. These include the expansion of fruit, vegetable, spice, and flower cultivation, promotion of mushroom farming, protected cultivation (greenhouses and polyhouses), installation of anti-hail nets, and creation of farm-gate pack houses, cold storage units, and food processing facilities.
Through these modern interventions, farmers are being empowered with advanced technology, resulting in significant improvements in production efficiency, quality standards, and market competitiveness.
Today, the horticulture sector is not just an economic driver but a symbol of prosperity and sustainable mountain livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh. The government’s focused initiatives are paving the way for the state to become a self-reliant, empowered, and prosperous horticulture hub.
