Munish Sood
Mandi
A major breakthrough for fruit growers in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district has seen premium-quality plums from the Balh and Sundernagar areas reach markets in Maharashtra, opening new avenues for income and market access for local farmers.
The achievement has been made possible under the HP Shiva Project, which promotes subtropical horticulture, irrigation and value addition in the state’s lower-altitude regions. The initiative has helped farmers adopt modern horticultural practices, improve fruit quality and connect with larger markets beyond Himachal Pradesh.
Farmers from the Brikhmani cluster in Balh and the Khagraon cluster in Sundernagar have reported encouraging returns this season, with plum prices ranging between ₹150 and ₹230 per kilogram. The fruit has found strong demand in wholesale markets, including Bhuntar and Kullu, owing to its quality and grading standards.
Sanjay Kumar, a farmer from Khagraon, said he planted plum orchards under the project in 2022. The cluster comprises 36 farmers cultivating plums over nearly 11.5 hectares. With the orchards now entering commercial production, growers are witnessing significant returns. Kumar alone has earned nearly ₹2 lakh from plum sales this season, while the cluster’s overall production has generated around ₹3 lakh so far.
The farmers are cultivating varieties such as Black Amber and Santa Rosa, which have received favourable market response. Technical support, quality planting material, irrigation facilities and regular guidance from horticulture experts have contributed to improved productivity and fruit quality.
To ensure better market access, the Horticulture Department has also facilitated linkages with premium buyers. A trial consignment of plums has recently been dispatched to Maharashtra through agricultural supply company GO4FRESH, marking the first such shipment from these clusters.
Officials believe the success demonstrates the growing potential of subtropical fruit cultivation in Himachal Pradesh’s lower hill regions. With improved market connectivity and value realization, plum cultivation is emerging as a profitable alternative for farmers seeking to diversify their incomes and strengthen rural livelihoods.
