Solan: Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma on Monday visited a Blueberry Front Line Demonstration (FLD) unit established by progressive horticulturist Karan Singh in 2025 at Dharon Ki Dhar in Solan district under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
The unit was established with the support of the Horticulture Department under MIDH. Spread across 800 square metres, it has protected cultivation infrastructure and 600 blueberry plants grown in a soilless medium.
Sharma said fruit production suited to the climatic conditions of Solan district could prove beneficial for horticulturists’ income and long-term economic gains. During the visit, officials briefed him on efforts to promote and expand blueberry cultivation in the district through front-line demonstrations under MIDH.
The Horticulture Department has established six blueberry front-line demonstration units in Solan district so far. Another demonstration unit has been set up at the Government Horticulture Demonstration Centre in Gauda. Through these initiatives, blueberry cultivation is being carried out across more than 5,000 square metres under protected conditions in the district.
The growth and performance of blueberry plants at the Dharon Ki Dhar unit were found to be satisfactory. The results indicate the potential for blueberry production under protected conditions in Solan’s agro-climatic environment. The demonstration unit also showcases the use of modern techniques for high-value fruit production and the growing scope for horticultural diversification in the region.
Plan to Cover 35 Hectares Under Blueberry Cultivation
To accelerate the expansion of blueberry farming in Solan district, around 35 hectares have been proposed for cultivation under the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition (HPSHIVA) project. The initiative aims to benefit approximately 188 farmers.
The state government is working to strengthen the economic condition of farmers and horticulturists by developing Himachal Pradesh into a fruit-producing state. Under the HPSHIVA project, efforts are being made to promote fruit crops suited to the state’s climatic conditions.
Modern production techniques, protected cultivation and technical and financial assistance are being used to establish blueberry as a major high-value fruit crop in Solan district.
These initiatives aim to encourage horticulturists to adopt profitable farming alternatives, support sustainable horticultural development and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods. They are also intended to familiarise farmers with modern cultivation techniques and encourage the adoption of high-value fruit crops.
The expansion of blueberry cultivation is expected to promote crop diversification, create new income opportunities for farmers and strengthen the horticulture-based economy of the district.
District Grievance Redressal Committee member Shiv Kumar, Deputy Director of Industries in Solan Dr Shivali Thakur, Horticulture Subject Expert Shakun Rana, based in Solan and Kandaghat, and progressive horticulturists Karan Singh and Surinder Thakur were also present during the visit.
