Solan Promotes Blueberry Cultivation, Over 5,000 Sq m Under Protected Farming

Solan, October 23: Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma visited a blueberry Front Line Demonstration (FLD) unit established by progressive horticulturist Karan Singh at Dharon Ki Dhar in Solan district.

Set up in 2025 under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), with support from the Horticulture Department, the 800-square-metre demonstration unit has 600 blueberry plants grown in soilless media under protected conditions.

The district has established six blueberry demonstration units, along with another at the Gauda Horticulture Demonstration Centre. Together, these initiatives have brought more than 5,000 square metres under protected blueberry cultivation. The plants at the Dharon Ki Dhar unit showed satisfactory growth, highlighting the crop’s potential under Solan’s agro-climatic conditions.

Under the HPSHIVA project, the government proposes to bring around 35 hectares under blueberry cultivation, benefiting approximately 188 farmers. The initiative aims to promote high-value fruit crops, diversify horticulture and create new income opportunities for farmers through modern cultivation techniques and technical and financial support.

Samagra Sikhsha