Himachal Hosts First National Stone Fruit Conference in Thanadhar
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Govt Vows Strong Support
Shimla, November 06 — The first-ever National Stone Fruit Conference of Himachal Pradesh was successfully organized at Thanadhar, Shimla by the Stone Fruit Growers Association in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Policymakers, scientists, growers and major stakeholders participated to strengthen and diversify the state’s fruit economy beyond apples.
Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, chief guest of the event, said horticulture is the lifeline of Himachal’s hill farmers, and the state government is committed to promoting stone fruit cultivation through improved policies, technology, training, and market infrastructure.
He emphasized the adoption of high-density plantation for higher productivity and highlighted the challenge of quality planting material. Negi informed that the state has recently signed an MoU with an Italian company to produce 50,000 high-density plants locally.
He appreciated organizer Deepak Singha for his contribution and said Thanadhar — known for premium fruit production — has now become a symbol of a new era in stone fruit development.
Special Guest Kuldeep Singh Rathore said such conferences are crucial for innovation, collaboration, and farmer–scientist engagement. Experts shared knowledge on modern cultivation techniques, climate-resilient varieties, disease control, processing, and value addition. Exhibitions and live demonstrations were also arranged for farmers.
The conference marked a significant step toward strengthening Himachal’s diversified horticulture sector with global expertise and sustainable growth.
