Jagat Singh Negi Reviews Horticulture Facilities in Rajgarh, Reaffirms Govt Commitment

Nahan, February 28: Himachal Pradesh Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development and Grievance Redressal Minister Jagat Singh Negi said the state government is committed to strengthening the horticulture sector through infrastructure development, expansion of marketing facilities, and farmer training initiatives.

During his four-day visit to Sirmaur district, the minister inspected the PCDO (Planting Material and Demonstration Centre) and the Fruit Processing Centre at Rajgarh in the Pachhad Assembly constituency. He reviewed processing capacity, grading and packaging systems, and cold storage facilities, and interacted with local farmers and orchardists to address their concerns on the spot.

Recalling the contribution of Himachal’s first Chief Minister Yashwant Singh Parmar, Negi described the Rajgarh fruit processing centre as historically significant and vital for local growers. He also inaugurated a newly constructed Himku sales outlet built at a cost of ₹1.10 lakh to boost marketing of local horticulture produce.

Earlier, during his visit to Dimber Panchayat, the minister encouraged farmers to form kiwi clusters under the HP Shiva project, stating that Rajgarh’s climate is well suited for kiwi cultivation and cluster-based farming would enhance farmers’ incomes.

Negi directed officials to establish kiwi and stone-fruit demonstration orchards at the Rajgarh PCDO and ensure scientific conservation of rootstock germplasm. He stressed timely supply of certified, disease-free planting material, calling quality saplings the foundation of horticultural success.

At a farmers’ interaction held at Ambedkar Bhawan, Rajgarh, growers raised issues related to crop diseases and safety concerns. The minister instructed officials to address grievances on priority and organize regular training camps to promote modern techniques at the grassroots level.