Value of apples and rhododendrons to rise; fruit wine project to be set up in Sundernagar.
Himachal Pradesh: A significant initiative is underway to boost fruit processing and rural employment in the Sundernagar area of Mandi district. Plans are in place to establish a new wine manufacturing project at Baroti-Daehar, where wine will be produced from the state’s prominent fruits—mangoes, apples, and rhododendron (Burans). This project is expected to secure better prices for local farmers’ produce while simultaneously creating new employment opportunities in the region.
New Market for Local Fruits
Himachal Pradesh is renowned nationwide for its apple production. Additionally, mangoes and rhododendrons are available in abundance across various regions of the state. Often, farmers fail to secure fair prices for their produce due to overproduction or a lack of market access.
The launch of the proposed wine project will enable the processing of these fruits at the local level. This will provide farmers with a new market for their crops and help minimize fruit wastage.
Plant to be Established at Baroti-Daehar, Sundernagar
The project will be set up in the Baroti-Daehar area of Sundernagar, Mandi district. A facility utilizing modern technology for wine production will be developed here, focusing on creating value-added products while maintaining fruit quality.
The plant’s commencement will also stimulate activities such as transportation, packaging, storage, and processing within the region.
Focus on Boosting Farmers’ Income
Experts believe that value addition to agricultural and horticultural produce is an effective way to increase farmers’ income. Producing wine from fruits like apples, mangoes, and rhododendrons offers the potential for better economic returns compared to traditional sales methods.
Furthermore, this initiative could create new opportunities for local small-scale enterprises and self-help groups.
New Avenues of Employment for the Youth
The project is expected to generate a significant number of jobs, both directly and indirectly. The wine manufacturing unit will require technical staff, machine operators, quality control experts, packaging personnel, and logistics professionals.
Additionally, local youth are likely to find employment in tasks related to fruit collection, supply, and marketing. Boost to Horticulture and Rural Economy
The Himachal government is consistently emphasizing the promotion of horticulture-based industries. Fruit processing will not only increase farmers’ income but also strengthen the rural economy.
Experts believe that if the project succeeds, similar industries focused on fruit processing and value addition could be established in other districts of the state in the future. This is expected to yield long-term benefits for Himachal’s agriculture and horticulture sectors.
