The Horticulture Department has initiated a progeny-cum-demonstration orchard by cultivating 605 hybrid and traditional mango plants at Jachh in August 2021. After three years, these plants have begun to bear fruits, aligning with the expectations of horticulture experts. This development has garnered attention from fruit growers in the subtropical zone of the lower Kangra region. Additionally, a front-line demonstration orchard was established on 1 hectare of land at Ghoran in the Indora horticulture block, planting 1,111 saplings of hybrid mango varieties last August.
The hybrid mango varieties, including Pusa Arunima, Pusa Lalima, Pusa Surya, Pusa Shreshtha, Malika, and Chausa, are part of a high-density plantation scheme, expected to bear fruit within three years, in contrast to the six to seven years required by traditional varieties. This high-density approach allows for the cultivation of a significantly higher number of plants per hectare and facilitates intercropping with seasonal vegetables.
This initiative is part of a Rs 1.135 billion project funded by the World Bank and approved by the previous BJP government. These new varieties are expected to enter the market between August 20 and September 10, providing a new option when other mango varieties are not available. The state government offers subsidy support for farmers adopting this high-density plantation method under a Centrally sponsored scheme.
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Source: tribuneindia.com