Japanese aid enhances Himachal farm income

A Japanese-funded crop diversification project in Himachal Pradesh had led to a significant increase in average net farm income and a fourfold increase in income of participating farmers.

Funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Rs 321 crore Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project is being implemented in the hill state's Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Una districts.

The project, with the targeted outcome to improve the socio-economic status of the farmers, also aims to develop infrastructure such as irrigation facilities and farm access roads while providing technical training to the farmers on vegetable cultivation, food grain cultivation and post-harvesting technology.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Onkar Sharma said after the success of the first phase, the project has been extended till 2020.

He said the central government has given in principle approval to Phase-II with an outlay of Rs 1,104 crore and it would be implemented in all 12 districts of the state. This project has been sent to JICA for fund approval.

Implementation of the project in five districts has witnessed a considerable shift in the area from cereals to vegetables after irrigation facility was provided through this project, said Sharma citing the report.

To boost agricultural development and enhance farm income, it is important to increase productivity of the existing cultivated area, through shifting from selfsubsistence cultivation to diversified agriculture, by adopting cash crops such as vegetables suitable in hilly and highland areas, it said.