Shimla, March 18 -- Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi informed the assembly on Tuesday that the state government has signed an MoU with Griva, a foreign company, to supply high-yielding apple cultivars.
These cultivars will be multiplied within the state and provided to apple growers at an affordable price.
Negi expressed concern over the reliance on imported plants, as local researchers have struggled to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties. Farmers are currently paying around Rs 750 per plant for foreign cultivars, with many opting for non-quarantine plants from unregistered nurseries, which have led to crop losses due to viral diseases.
The Minister acknowledged the limitations of local institution...