Final Stages of Karsog Horticulture Project Set to Boost Apple Cultivation in the Region

New Delhi: The horticulture project in Karsog, Himachal Pradesh, is nearing completion and has the potential to transform the region into a thriving apple-growing belt. The project, which is in its final stage of implementation, aims to boost the horticulture sector in the area and provide local farmers with new opportunities for income generation.

The World Bank-funded Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project is in its final phase in the Karsog area of Mandi district. Horticulture Development Officer Dr Chameli Negi said the program was launched by the state government in 2016 at a cost of about Rs 1,456 crore. The main objective of the program was to produce high-quality apple fruit and to make it competitive in the market.

Chameli said mainly villages like Sanarli, Kutti and Khamnu have been included in the cluster. Water is also being made available to fruit growers through drip irrigation under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

The project, which has been in the works for several years, focuses on the cultivation of high-quality apple varieties that are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of Karsog. The region’s cool climate and fertile soil make it ideal for apple cultivation, and the project aims to capitalize on these natural advantages to establish Karsog as a major apple-producing hub in Himachal Pradesh.

It includes the establishment of modern orchards, the introduction of advanced horticultural practices, and the provision of technical assistance and training to local farmers. The aim is to improve the quality and yield of apples grown in the region and to help farmers adopt more sustainable and profitable farming practices.

One of the key components of the project is the introduction of high-density apple orchards, which are designed to maximize the productivity of the land while minimizing the use of resources such as water and fertilizer. These orchards are planted at higher densities than traditional orchards and are trained to grow in a compact, vertical manner, making them easier to manage and harvest.

Local farmers and residents are eagerly awaiting the completion of the project, as they believe it has the potential to bring about a significant improvement in their lives. Many farmers have already started planting apple trees on their land in anticipation of the project’s completion, and there is a sense of optimism and excitement in the air.

The Karsog horticulture project has the potential to be a game-changer for the region, transforming it into a prosperous apple-growing belt and providing local farmers with new opportunities for economic growth. With the project now in its final stage, all eyes are on Karsog as it prepares to take its place as a major player in Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector.