Apple Orchards Bring Self-Reliance and Sustainable Livelihood to Remote Chamba Village

Chamba, June 15, 2025 – In a transformative example of rural self-reliance, apple cultivation has emerged as a sustainable source of livelihood for nearly 100 families in Kiḍi Panchayat of the remote Mahela block in Chamba district. This shift is the result of the effective implementation of rural development schemes under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), led by the Rural Development Department.

District Development Officer Om Prakash Thakur shared that during the financial year 2024–25, approximately 12,000 high-quality apple saplings were distributed to families under approved MGNREGA works. The varieties included elite rootstock-based plants like M9 and M11, featuring cultivars such as Red Velox, Dark Baron Gala, Senico Gala, Jeromine, and King Rot—chosen for their market demand and climatic suitability.

Before plantation, the department also assisted farmers in land preparation, ensuring that the groundwork was well-laid for long-term orchard success. Beneficiaries like Hukam Singh, Bablu, Santo Ram, and others from the village Lagga expressed gratitude, highlighting how the initiative has inspired neighboring areas to consider dense apple farming as well.

Local farmer Bablu noted that the community, traditionally dependent on cash crops like cabbage and peas, is now successfully integrating apple cultivation with intercropping methods—multiplying income opportunities and reducing risk.

This horticultural shift has not only diversified agricultural output but also given rise to new avenues of self-employment. Farmers and orchardists see the initiative as a milestone in achieving economic self-sufficiency and rural resilience. It stands as a testament to how targeted schemes and community involvement can redefine the economic fabric of rural India.