Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a series of targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s rural economy, focusing heavily on boosting farmer incomes and accelerating development in tribal regions.
Presiding over a joint meeting of the Tribal Development and Horticulture departments, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state is actively introducing minimum support prices for naturally grown crops to encourage chemical-free farming. To ensure these agricultural policies are successfully executed, Sukhu promised full administrative backing, including filling vacant posts within the horticulture department.
A major focus of the meeting was the review of the HPSHIVA project. Sukhu stressed the importance of diversifying fruit crops to match the distinct geographical and climatic conditions of different regions. Describing horticulture as the backbone of the state’s economy, he urged department officials to provide robust technical support to growers to help improve crop yields and profitability.
Turning to tribal development, the Chief Minister reviewed ongoing welfare schemes and called for their swift implementation. He shared that between March 2023 and March 2026, the state settled 636 personal claims and 20 community claims under the Forest Rights Act of 2006, transferring over 2,259 hectares of land to local residents.
Additionally, Sukhu evaluated the performance of Eklavya Aadarsh Residential Schools located in Nichar, Pangi, Bharmour, and Lahaul. He instructed officials to ensure top-tier facilities are available for the 1,013 students currently enrolled in these institutions.
The high-level meeting was also attended by Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, and Secretary C. Paulrasu, alongside other senior state officials.
