Successful blueberry trial opens new possibilities for Lahaul farmers

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First blueberry trial in Gaondhla succeeds, with officials highlighting its potential as a high-value cash crop and promising new income opportunities for Lahaul farmers.

Lahaul-Spiti , September 2

Blueberry cultivation has shown promising results in the Lahaul valley, with the first trial at Gaondhla successfully producing healthy plants, opening up a potential new cash crop for farmers in the tribal district.

Progressive horticulturist Pratap Chand has successfully grown 500 blueberry plants in a 500 square meter polyhouse with training, guidance and support from the Horticulture Department. The plants are expected to bear fruit soon.

Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana formally inaugurated the demonstration plot and said the initiative could provide farmers with an additional source of income after traditional crops such as potatoes and apples.

She said the demonstration plot was developed under the Center’s Integrated Horticulture Mission scheme at a cost of around Rs 12.50 lakh. The Horticulture Department provided a subsidy of Rs 9.37 lakh to the farmer.

Bhadana described the project as an example of achieving higher production from limited land and urged other farmers and horticulturists to visit the site and explore blueberry cultivation. She said the department would provide necessary technical assistance and support.

The Deputy Commissioner said blueberries are considered a premium or exotic fruit in India and generally command higher market prices than conventional fruits such as apples, oranges and bananas. She said the first cultivation trial at Gaondhla was successful, and efforts would be made to encourage more farmers in the valley to take up the crop.

She also highlighted the nutritional value of blueberries, saying the fruit contains antioxidants, fiber and vitamins and has growing demand among urban consumers.

Deputy Director Horticulture Meenakshi Sharma said blueberry cultivation requires specific conditions, including acidic soil or grow bags, controlled irrigation and suitable varieties.

She said the crop is already being cultivated in relatively warmer parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Palampur-Kangra, Mandi and Kullu. Although domestic production remains relatively low, trials and commercial cultivation are expanding in several states, while its commercial potential is also being explored in Kashmir.

Sharma said Himachal Pradesh has good potential for blueberry cultivation and that farmers in Lahaul could benefit from adopting the crop as an alternative source of income.

During the visit, Chand briefed the Deputy Commissioner about the blueberry plants grown in his polyhouse. Farmers and horticulturists also raised issues related to agriculture and horticulture in the valley, to which Bhadana assured them of all possible assistance.