The Role of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The Purpose of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project for India is to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh, to increase the productivity, quality, and market access of selected horticulture commodities. This project consists of four major components. 1) Production and Diversification which aims to enhance horticultural competitiveness at the farm level by supporting access to knowledge, technology, and finance to increase long-term productivity and farm incomes in an environment marked by changing market patterns and increased climate variability.2) Value Addition and Agro-enterprise Development which aims to improve value realization at the farm level, promote investments in agribusiness, foster backward and forward linkages in the value chains for horticulture products, support supply chain infrastructure that prevents wastage and value erosion; and enable secondary and tertiary processing that create higher value for the produce. 3) Market Development aims to provide an improved platform for market-related information and intelligence, expand market access through alternative marketing channels, enhance transparency in the price discovery process, and improve market infrastructure. 4) Project Management, Monitoring, and Learning will ensure the effective implementation of the project activities and monitor and evaluate project implementation progress, outputs, and outcomes, building on implementation experience.