Shimla: About 18,200 hectare of new high density orchards will be developed on private land across the state under the World Bank-funded Rs 1,134 crore horticulture development project.

Shimla: About 18,200 hectare of new high density orchards will be developed on private land across the state under the World Bank-funded Rs 1,134 crore horticulture development project.

Though the state government’s release issued here claimed that the new area will be brought under the fruit cultivation, it remains silent on its target of increasing the productivity per hectare in the state.

The government spokesperson stated that the apple production per hectare in the state was 6-8 metric tonne (MT) per hectare as compared to international standard of 35-50 MT per hectare. In some countries it is about 120 MT per hectare.

The World Bank is giving 80 per cent fund while the state government would fund the rest of the cost. The main focus is rejuvenation of existing apple orchards with improved variety and high density plantation.

Under the project community irrigation facilities would be developed on 19,560 hectare of the project area to ensure water during summer and critical stages of plant growth.