How Has Garlic Cultivation in Himachal Pradesh Expanded?
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Synopsis
Discover the remarkable growth of garlic farming in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district, which has expanded dramatically to 4,000 hectares since 2015. This article explores the initiatives taken to promote garlic cultivation, enhance farmers' income, and support local agricultural development.
Key Takeaways
- Garlic cultivation in Himachal Pradesh has significantly increased.
- Annual garlic production now reaches 60,000 metric tons.
- Farmers are encouraged to engage in local seed production.
- Value addition and food processing skills are essential for farmers.
- Modern scientific practices can enhance garlic quality and profitability.
Shimla, June 19 (NationPress) Garlic farming in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district has remarkably increased to approximately 4,000 hectares, a significant rise from 1,500 hectares in 2015-16, with the annual yield reaching 60,000 metric tons, according to agricultural specialists on Thursday.
During a two-day seminar entitled ‘Garlic Seed Production and Value Addition for Enhancing Farmers' Income in District Sirmaur’ which began at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF) in Nauni, Solan district, Narender Bharat, head of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, revealed that since 2015-16, the university has been actively working on a project to promote spice cultivation in the state.
“This initiative encourages the commercial farming of spices such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and fenugreek through on-farm demonstrations, seed production, technology transfer, natural farming methods, and infrastructure development for seed storage,” he explained.
As part of their technology transfer efforts, the university has conducted four panchayat-level training programs and one district-level seminar annually.
With the rising interest in garlic farming, Bharat noted that the area dedicated to garlic cultivation in Sirmaur has expanded significantly. It is estimated that nearly Rs 60 crore is spent each year in Sirmaur to acquire garlic seeds from other regions, especially Jammu and Kashmir.
University Vice Chancellor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel stated that spice farming, notably garlic, designated as the ‘One District, One Crop’ for Sirmaur, presents a promising avenue to enhance farmers’ income in the district.
Addressing concerns about market oversupply and declining prices, he urged scientists to provide farmers with skills in food processing and value addition.
Chandel also encouraged farmers to work with the university to establish local garlic seed production to minimize reliance on external sources and foster entrepreneurial opportunities for youth.
Additionally, he motivated university researchers to investigate garlic oil extraction and the pharmaceutical sector's requirements to further boost income from farming. He emphasized the necessity of researching radiation technology to enhance garlic's shelf life, disease resistance, and reduce unwanted sprouting.
Director (Research) Sanjeev Chauhan stressed the importance of adopting contemporary scientific practices to elevate garlic quality and productivity.
He advocated for lowering input costs to enhance farmers’ profitability and highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in ensuring improved market access and collective bargaining for farmers.
Key topics such as seed production, germplasm conservation, plant protection, and value addition will be addressed based on farmer interest.
The Department of Food Science and Technology will also provide hands-on demonstrations for creating various value-added garlic products.
Furthermore, an exhibition-cum-competition showcasing local garlic varieties is being organized for participating farmers. This seminar is hosted by the university’s Department of Seed Science and Technology under the centrally-sponsored MIDH scheme on spices.
Approximately 100 garlic growers are taking part in the program.
Point of View
The expansion of garlic cultivation in Himachal Pradesh signifies a vital shift in agricultural practices, highlighting the importance of innovation and local production. This initiative not only aims to enhance farmers' income but also fosters community resilience and supports sustainable farming methods, ensuring food security and economic development for the region.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current area of garlic cultivation in Sirmaur?
The area of garlic cultivation in Sirmaur has expanded to approximately 4,000 hectares.
How much garlic is produced annually in Sirmaur?
Sirmaur's annual garlic production has reached about 60,000 metric tons.
What initiatives support garlic farming in Himachal Pradesh?
Initiatives include on-farm demonstrations, seed production, technology transfer, and value addition programs.
How much is spent annually on garlic seeds in Sirmaur?
Approximately Rs 60 crore is spent each year on procuring garlic seeds from other states.
What role do Farmer Producer Companies play?
Farmer Producer Companies help ensure better market access and collective bargaining for farmers.
