The eagerly awaited annual sale of temperate fruit plants commenced on December 16, 2024, at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, and its affiliated centers, drawing significant interest from farmers in Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states.
On the opening day, 537 farmers purchased more than 16,173 plants from the University's main campus nurseries—Fruit Science, Seed Science, and Model Farm—along with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Kandaghat and Rohru, and the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Stations in Mashobra (Shimla) and Sharbo (Kinnaur).
Adding to this, the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station at Bajaura in Kullu district, which began its sale earlier on December 9, contributed 11,512 plants sold to 292 farmers in its first week. This brings the total tally to an impressive 27,685 plants purchased by 829 farmers so far.
Farmers are showing keen interest in diversifying their orchards, with persimmon, kiwifruit, and other stone fruits witnessing a surge in demand, alongside popular apple varieties. The sale also includes other temperate fruits like pear, plum, apricot, peach, cherry, walnut, grapes, and pomegranate.
The University has prepared over 2 lakh high-quality plants for sale this year. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, the sale will continue in the coming days across various locations, ensuring farmers have ample opportunities to secure their desired plants.
