A Study of Horticultural Transformation in the Region of Shimla Hills

The topography of Himachal Pradesh and the region of Shimla Hills allow the production of all kinds of fruit crops ranging from temperate to sub-tropical species. Horticulture in Himachal Pradesh today contributes towards the achievement of major national objectives of development by increasing productivity, utilization of available land stock, helping in maintaining the ecological balance, alleviating poverty and generating employment. In 1958, more than 90 per cent population of the region of Shimla Hills was directly and indirectly dependent on agricultural and horticultural activities. The availability of agricultural land in this hilly region was limited. The environmental conditions of this region are most favorable for the development of horticulture. Due to this reason people of the Shimla Hills started the practice of horticulture to their uncultivable land holdings.