Kangra set for mango boost, Japanese fruit push gains ground

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Kangra, April 23

Mango production in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district is expected to increase by around 1,000 metric tonnes this year, with the Horticulture Department projecting a higher yield due to the ongoing “on-season” cycle. Officials said the district could record a total output of approximately 23,000 metric tonnes, compared to 22,000 metric tonnes last year.

Kangra, the state’s largest district, has nearly 2,000 hectares under mango cultivation. Key producing areas include Indora, Nurpur, Fatehpur, Nagrota Surian, and Lambagaon. Officials said mango production typically follows an alternating pattern of high- and low-yield years, referred to as on- and off-seasons.

Meanwhile, the department is also promoting diversification under the HP Shiva Project by encouraging the cultivation of Japanese fruit in regions traditionally known for apple farming. The initiative has been launched in Andarli Malan in the Baijnath subdivision, where 10 hectares have been identified for plantation.

So far, about 3,500 saplings have been planted across 5 hectares, while the remaining area is expected to be covered by winter. Officials said the move is aimed at boosting farmers’ income and promoting crop diversification in the region.