Himachal to Launch High Value Nut Mission, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Says Initiative Will Boost Farmers’ Income and Rural Economy

In a major push to strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector, the state government is set to launch the High Value Nut Mission, an ambitious initiative aimed at increasing farmers’ income and promoting the cultivation of premium temperate nut crops across the state.

The mission will focus on expanding the cultivation of walnut, almond, apricot and pine nut (chilgoza) while introducing modern farming techniques, quality planting material and improved infrastructure to enhance productivity.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the High Value Nut Mission would mark a new chapter in the state’s horticulture sector by encouraging diversification, modernization and sustainable growth.

He noted that Himachal Pradesh has immense natural potential for cultivating temperate nut crops, and the new mission will help farmers unlock this potential through scientific farming practices and better support systems.

According to the Chief Minister, the initiative is expected to significantly improve crop productivity, increase profitability for growers and generate fresh employment opportunities for rural youth, ultimately strengthening the state’s rural economy.

The government also plans to focus on orchard rejuvenation, value addition, branding and export promotion to help horticulturists secure better prices for their produce in domestic as well as international markets.

Special emphasis will be placed on the conservation of chilgoza, one of the region’s valuable nut crops. The mission will also provide targeted support to women farmers, tribal communities and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across Himachal Pradesh.

The High Value Nut Mission has been designed to tackle several long-standing challenges in the horticulture sector, including ageing orchards, low productivity, inadequate post-harvest infrastructure and limited opportunities for value addition.

As part of the programme, nearly 1,000 hectares of land will be brought under orchard rejuvenation and high-density plantation, a move expected to improve both production and long-term sustainability of the state’s horticulture industry.

With the launch of this mission, the Himachal Pradesh government aims to transform nut cultivation into a high-income agricultural activity, providing long-term economic benefits to thousands of horticulture families across the state.

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