Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched ‘Pangi Apple' brand produced through natural farming here today. He said that state government was promoting natural farming vigorously in the state and this initiative will go a long way towards establishing a distinct identity for locally produced apples in Pangi under the ‘Pangi Apple’ brand.
He said that Pangi Sub Division has been declared as the state’s first Natural Farming Sub-Division thereby strengthening the local economy and bring this remote tribal region at par with other parts of the state in terms of economic opportunities and quality of life. He said that Pangi has approximately 370 hectares under apple cultivation, with over 1,04,000 apple plants and an expected production of around 35,000 boxes (approximately 550 MT) this season. Until now, apples produced in Pangi have been marketed outside the valley in cartons branded as ‘Kullu Apples’ or ‘Kinnaur Apples,’ limiting the recognition of Pangi’s own produce.
Sh. Sukhu said that to address this, customized ‘Pangi Apple’ cartons in 20 kg and 10 kg capacities have been launched and are being provided to farmers at a 50 percent subsidy. He said that this initiative will help in establishing a distinct identity for Pangi apples, promote the region’s natural-farming produce and improve market recognition. He said that the initiative is part of the vision of the present state government to develop Pangi as the first chemical-free Sub-Division of the state under natural farming. It marks an important step towards strengthening the livelihoods of approximately 6,300 farming households, promoting local entrepreneurship and ensuring greater economic opportunities for the people of this remote tribal region.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chairman H.P. Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Resident Commissioner Amandeep Singh and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
