Himachal Pradesh’s farmers earn profit from Kiwi fruit cultivation

KULLU - Kiwi fruit cultivation has become a profitable venture for Himachal Pradesh’s farmers after demand increased in the wake of the Commonwealth Games.

There are four different varieties of Kiwi fruit being cultivated in the hilly state.

“There are four varieties of Kiwi fruit: Hayward, Monty, Bruno, Allison, and all four are getting a good response in the market,” said Anil Khullar, who has been cultivating Kiwi fruit in the region for the past 10 years.

The demand for the fruit has increased sharply as the Commonwealth Games draw near. The Games are scheduled to begin on October 3 and would conclude on October 14.

“Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and some markets in Punjab are regular buyers of kiwi fruit, but this time sales are good. Because of the Commonwealth Games there is more demand for Indian kiwi fruit,” said Nakul Khullar, another cultivator.

The government of Himachal Pradesh is also providing an incentive to kiwi fruit cultivators by giving them financial aid.

“Farmers are getting good support for cultivating kiwi fruit orchards. If any farmer wants to plant kiwi fruit on his land, then for every one hectare land he will be given rupees 22,500 by the government,” said A. K. Gupta, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department.

“At the maximum, one farmer can work on four hectares of land, and for that he will be given rupees 90,000 as aid by the government,” he added. By Prem ThakurANI)