Himachal Pradesh, known for its horticultural prowess, is taking a leap forward with plans to set up a potato processing unit in Una district. Announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this project is part of the state government’s broader vision to enhance agricultural infrastructure and improve farmer livelihoods. The processing unit is expected to create opportunities for value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and generate employment in the region.
Enhancing Farmer Benefits Through Diversification
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of diversification in horticulture, urging the development of improved storage and marketing systems. These measures aim to ensure fair prices for farmers and make agriculture more resilient to market fluctuations. The government’s plan to establish district-level cold storage facilities is a critical step in this direction. These modern facilities will enable farmers to store their produce for longer periods, thereby reducing waste and ensuring better price realization.
Supporting Farmers with Direct Benefit Transfer and Schemes
The government is prioritizing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system under the Mandi Mediation scheme to provide direct financial support to farmers and horticulturists. This initiative will help cut down intermediaries and maximize farmer profits.
In addition, a ₹500-crore project for the rejuvenation of apple horticulture is under consideration. This five-year project will focus on promoting high-density plantations, which can yield higher outputs per hectare and significantly enhance farmer incomes.
Progress in Horticulture Schemes
The state’s horticulture department has shown significant progress in recent years:
- Horticulture Development Scheme: In 2023-24, ₹12.84 crore was spent on power tillers and sprayers, benefiting 4,244 horticulturists. In the current financial year, ₹9 crore has been utilized so far, helping 3,156 gardeners.
- Anti-Hail Net Scheme: Last year, ₹14.45 crore was allocated, aiding 1,767 people, while this year ₹10.3 crore has benefited 1,223 farmers.
- Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana: In 2023-24, ₹11 crore was spent to support 750 horticulturists in adopting flower cultivation practices.
The Role of Potato Processing in Himachal’s Future
The proposed potato processing unit in Una is set to become a cornerstone of Himachal’s agricultural development. It will enable farmers to transition from raw produce to value-added products like chips, fries, and other processed foods. This diversification will not only fetch higher market prices but also open new avenues for export.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the project holds promise, its success will depend on addressing several challenges:
- Seed Quality and Inputs: Ensuring the availability of high-yield, disease-resistant potato seeds is essential.
- Farmer Training: Educating farmers on modern cultivation techniques and post-harvest handling can enhance the quality of raw materials.
- Market Linkages: Building strong market networks for processed products will be critical for long-term sustainability.
Himachal Pradesh’s initiative to establish a potato processing unit in Una signals a commitment to transforming its agricultural sector. Along with investments in cold storage, horticulture schemes, and DBT, the state is creating an ecosystem that supports both farmers and the food processing industry. These efforts are expected to improve farmer incomes, reduce wastage, and strengthen the rural economy. If implemented effectively, this model could serve as a blueprint for agricultural modernization across India.
