21 March 2025, New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh farmers will soon benefit from affordable, high-yielding apple plants, thanks to a new partnership between the state government and Griva, a foreign company. The collaboration aims to supply advanced apple cultivars to farmers at reduced rates, according to Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi.
Addressing the state assembly, Negi expressed concerns over the limited availability of advanced apple varieties developed locally, leading farmers to depend on costly imported plants. “Currently, farmers are paying nearly $9 per plant for imported varieties, often from non-quarantined sources due to the unregulated growth of private, non-registered nurseries,” Negi stated.
He warned that uncertified plants carry the risk of viral diseases and potential crop losses. Developing disease-resistant, locally adapted apple varieties through research institutions like Dr. Y.S. Parmar University could take over a decade, Negi added.
To meet the immediate needs of farmers, the state will collaborate with reputable global nurseries. Imported plant material will be multiplied at Bajwara and supplied at a more accessible rate of $3.60 per plant. Advanced cultivars, typically priced at $6, will be made available to farmers at a subsidized rate of $4.80.
In response to the issue of illegal plant supplies, the government has increased efforts to curb non-quarantined imports. MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore highlighted the financial burden on farmers who are forced to purchase expensive, uncertified plants from neighboring states. He emphasized the need for stricter quarantine measures and more focus on developing indigenous solutions.
Negi assured that while long-term research for local cultivars will continue, the current priority is to provide farmers with quality, high-yielding plant material from trusted international sources. This initiative aims to enhance apple production, reduce risks, and increase farmers’ profits.
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