Himachal Pradesh to Launch High-Value Nut Mission for Farmers

New Delhi, India Jul 13, 2026 ALN: Shimla: In a major initiative to strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector and enhance farmers’ income, the state government will launch the High Value Nut Mission for the period 2026-2031. This mission is a strategic response to the evolving agricultural landscape in the region and aims to promote the cultivation of high-value temperate nut crops, including walnut, almond, apricot, and chilgoza (pine nut), while modernising the state’s nut-based horticulture.

The initiative comes at a time when the agricultural sector in Himachal Pradesh faces numerous challenges. Farmers in the region have been grappling with ageing orchards, which not only lead to decreased productivity but also affect the overall quality of the produce. Low productivity levels, inadequate post-harvest infrastructure, and limited value-addition opportunities have further compounded the struggles faced by farmers. The High Value Nut Mission seeks to address these issues comprehensively, creating a sustainable and competitive horticulture ecosystem through scientific orchard management, modern infrastructure, and improved market access.

Under the mission, approximately 1,000 hectares will be dedicated to orchard rejuvenation and high-density plantation. A significant portion of this, around 900 hectares, will focus on rejuvenating old and low-yielding orchards. This rejuvenation will be achieved through scientific interventions such as canopy management, top-working, replacement of senile trees, soil health improvement, and efficient water management practices. These strategies are designed to not only increase productivity but also enhance the quality of the nut crops produced in the region.

In addition to rejuvenating existing orchards, the mission will also establish 100 hectares of model high-density plantations. These plantations will be equipped with quality planting material, micro-irrigation systems, climate-resilient cultivation practices, and other modern technologies aimed at maximizing yield and ensuring sustainability. The introduction of high-density plantations is particularly significant, as it represents a shift towards more intensive agricultural practices that can lead to increased productivity per hectare.

To ensure the availability of certified, disease-free planting material, the government will establish four Hi-Tech Nurseries and two Centres of Excellence in major nut-growing regions of the state. These institutions will not only provide quality planting material but will also serve as vital hubs for research, training, demonstrations, and extension services. By enabling growers to adopt advanced orchard management practices, these centres aim to improve overall productivity and foster innovation within the sector.

The mission also places a strong emphasis on strengthening the value chain and improving market competitiveness. To this end, it envisages the establishment of 10 modern collection, grading, sorting, packaging, processing, and value-addition units. These facilities are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses, improving product quality, and providing better market linkages for growers. By enhancing the post-harvest infrastructure, the mission aims to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, thereby improving their income and livelihoods.

Furthermore, the mission will promote the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), which are designed to empower farmers by enabling them to collectively market their produce and negotiate better prices. The initiative will also encourage private investment through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, facilitating access to institutional finance under schemes such as the Agri Infrastructure Fund. This financial support is essential for farmers to invest in modern farming practices and technologies, which can lead to increased productivity and profitability.

Recognising the ecological and economic importance of chilgoza, the mission will accord special priority to its conservation and regeneration in the tribal areas of the state. Chilgoza, or pine nut, is not only a valuable crop but also plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. The mission will implement dedicated interventions, including assisted natural regeneration, community-based forest management, and the establishment of propagation facilities for pine nut seed germination. These efforts will help conserve biodiversity while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed optimism about the potential impact of the High Value Nut Mission, stating that it would usher in a new phase of growth, diversification, and modernisation in Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector. He highlighted the state’s immense potential for the cultivation of temperate nut crops, asserting that the mission would enable farmers to realise this potential through modern technology, quality planting material, and improved infrastructure.

The Chief Minister further noted that the initiative would significantly enhance productivity, improve profitability, and generate new employment opportunities for rural youth, thereby strengthening the rural economy. By focusing on modernisation and technological integration, the mission aims to transform horticulture into a resilient, technology-driven, and market-oriented sector. This transformation is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region, particularly in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Moreover, Sukhu emphasized that the mission’s focus on orchard rejuvenation, value addition, branding, and export promotion would enable growers to secure higher returns from their produce. The branding aspect is particularly important, as it can help create a distinct identity for Himachal Pradesh’s nut products in national and international markets, thereby enhancing their marketability.

Special emphasis will also be placed on chilgoza conservation, along with targeted support for women, tribal communities, and Farmer Producer Organisations. This inclusive approach is designed to ensure that the benefits of the mission reach all segments of the farming community, thereby promoting equitable growth and development. By supporting vulnerable groups, the mission aims to create a more resilient agricultural sector that can withstand economic fluctuations and environmental challenges.

In conclusion, the High Value Nut Mission represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalising Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector. Through a combination of modern agricultural practices, infrastructure development, and community engagement, the mission seeks to enhance the livelihoods of farmers while ensuring the sustainability of nut cultivation in the region. As the state prepares to embark on this ambitious initiative, the eyes of the agricultural community will be on its implementation and the tangible benefits it promises to deliver for farmers and rural communities alike.