Himachal's 'Nut Mission' to Boost Farmer Incomes, Modernize Horticulture by 2031

Himachal Pradesh is set to launch its ambitious 'High Value Nut Mission' (2026-2031), a five-year plan aimed at significantly boosting farmer incomes and modernizing the state's vital horticulture sector. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the initiative, which will focus on promoting high-value temperate nut crops like walnuts, almonds, apricots, and the native pine nut (chilgoza). The mission seeks to tackle long-standing challenges such as ageing orchards and low productivity by introducing advanced farming techniques and robust support systems. The state's agricultural landscape, particularly its fruit belt, has faced hurdles including inadequate post-harvest infrastructure and limited opportunities for value addition, often leaving farmers with reduced profits. This new mission takes a comprehensive approach, planning to rejuvenate 900 hectares of old orchards and establish 100 hectares of new high-density plantations. It will also create four new Hi-Tech Nurseries and two Centres of Excellence to ensure farmers have access to quality planting material, modern technology, and expert guidance. Looking ahead, the mission aims to establish 10 modern units for collection, grading, processing, and value addition, which are crucial to reducing losses after harvest and improving market access for growers. Special emphasis will be placed on conserving chilgoza, supporting women, tribal communities, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and facilitating access to institutional finance through schemes like the Agri Infrastructure Fund. This integrated strategy is expected to create new employment opportunities for rural youth and drive inclusive, sustainable growth in Himachal Pradesh rural economy.