The apple rejuvenation project guidelines have been simplified by the Himachal Pradesh government in order to enhance the productivity of the fruit. The apple project is being implemented under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, where old apple orchards are being rejuvenated and replaced with new, improved and regular bearing spur varieties.
The government is trying to bring nearly 1500 hectares under the apple rejuvenation project during 2014-15. Orchards covered under the scheme will have 30% pollenisers and micro-irrigation facilities and an additional area of 1000 hectares will be covered under micro-irrigation during the year.
Himachal Pradesh is known as the apple state of India and apple covers nearly 49% of the total area under fruit crop and 87% of the total fruit production. The fruit is contributing about Rs 3,200 crore to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. The state government has enhanced subsidy on anti hail nets from 50% to 80% in order to protect fruit crops especially apple from hailstorms.
The area under apple crop has been increased from 400 hectares in 1950-51 to 3,025 hectares in 1960-61 and 106,440 hectares in 2012-13. The crop has become a primary source of livelihood of farmers especially small and marginal in Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba, Mandi and Sirmaur districts.