HP SHIVA Project Transforms Horticulture in Una, Boosts Farmers’ Incomes

‘Shweta-Lalita’ Guavas from Baul Orchard Reach Moradabad Market; Farmer Ajmer Singh Earns Rs 1.25 Lakh from 25 Quintals

Una, August 8: A barren patch of land once plagued by water scarcity and damage from wild animals has been transformed into a thriving guava orchard, showcasing the impact of the HP SHIVA Project on horticulture in Una district.

Ajmer Singh, a 66-year-old farmer from Baul Gram Panchayat in Bangana, developed his land for horticulture with support under the project. Today, guavas of the ‘Shweta’ and ‘Lalita’ varieties grown in his orchard are being marketed beyond Himachal Pradesh and have reached Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Ajmer Singh said that his guava cultivation, which initially covered 25 kanals, has now expanded to around 125 kanals. Last year, he produced approximately 25 quintals of guavas and sold the entire crop to Moradabad trader Dinesh Kumar at Rs 50 per kilogram, earning Rs 1.25 lakh. After deducting expenses, he earned a net profit of around Rs 50,000.

Encouraged by the results, Ajmer Singh is now planning to expand his horticulture activities further and expects an increase in both production and income this year.

The success story reflects the state government’s efforts under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to promote fruit-based farming, increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy. The HP SHIVA Project is playing an important role in achieving these objectives.

Project Support Provides Foundation for Expansion

Ajmer Singh said his land was levelled and irrigation facilities were provided under the HP SHIVA Project. This helped resolve the water shortage and enabled scientific development of the land for horticulture. Encouraged by the improved results, he gradually expanded the orchard.

Government Support Transforms the Land

With assistance from the Horticulture Department, Ajmer Singh received quality planting material, drip irrigation facilities, vermicompost, mulching material, composite fencing and essential agricultural inputs. Technical guidance from the department helped him scientifically develop the land and maintain crop quality.

Training Strengthens Scientific Horticulture Practices

Ajmer Singh also underwent a five-day training programme at Neri College in Hamirpur through the Horticulture Department. The training provided him with practical knowledge of pruning, disease identification and treatment, and scientific orchard management. Departmental officials also regularly visit his cluster to provide technical advice and guidance.

HP SHIVA Project Emerging as a Key Driver of Farmers’ Income

Deputy Director of Horticulture, Una, Dr. K.K. Bhardwaj said the Rs 1,292-crore HP SHIVA Project of the Himachal Pradesh Government is playing a significant role in promoting fruit-based farming and increasing the incomes of farmers and horticulturists across the state.

He said that during 2024-25, around 17,000 high-quality guava plants were planted across 15 hectares in Bangana development block. During 2025-26, approximately 55,000 plants of guava, kinnow and malta were planted across 50 hectares. The project is also being expanded to other parts of the district.

Under the project, cluster-based land development, quality fruit plants, composite fencing, drip irrigation and other facilities are being provided to farmers with 100 per cent subsidy.

Focus on Increasing Farmers’ Income

Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal said that, in accordance with the directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, effective implementation of the HP SHIVA Project is being ensured in the district. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt scientific horticulture by providing fruit plants, irrigation facilities, technical guidance and other essential support.

He said that alongside increasing farmers’ incomes, the government is also focused on creating new opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas. Continuous efforts are being made to strengthen the agriculture- and horticulture-based rural economy by promoting fruit-based farming.