The Himachal Pradesh government has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Griva, a foreign company, for the supply of high-yielding apple cultivars. These cultivars will be multiplied and offered to farmers at reduced rates, according to Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi.
In a session with the state assembly, Negi addressed concerns regarding the lack of advanced apple varieties developed domestically, resulting in a dependence on expensive imported plants. He noted, "Farmers are currently paying around $9 per plant for imported varieties, with many purchasing non-quarantined plants due to the unregulated growth of private, non-registered nurseries."
Negi highlighted the risks of uncertified plants, citing viral diseases and crop losses from non-quarantined imports. He stated, "We cannot solely rely on Dr. Y.S. Parmar University to develop indigenous apple varieties. It will take at least a decade, if not more, for our research institutions to produce the required disease-resistant, locally adapted cultivars for large-scale apple farming in Himachal Pradesh."
To address the shortage of high-yielding plants, the state plans to collaborate with reputable nurseries globally. Imported plant material will be multiplied at Bajwara and supplied at $3.60 per plant. Advanced cultivars, priced at around $6, will be available at a subsidized rate of $4.80.
The government has intensified efforts against illegal plant supply, seizing multiple containers of non-quarantined saplings. MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore raised concerns about the financial burden on farmers due to high-cost, non-quarantined plants from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized the need for stricter quarantine measures and domestic solutions.
Negi concluded that while long-term research is essential, the current focus is on providing quality plant material from abroad, alongside strengthening indigenous research.
Source: Himachal Scape