Himachal Horticulture

  In Himachal Pradesh, various types of fruits and vegetables are grown. The majority of marketable surplus is off season vegetables, Stone and pome fruits. The share of primary sector in State GVA is approximately 14%. This sector provides the livelihood to majority of population appox. 60% and also provide employment opportunities. The marketing of fruits is done in traditional way in Himachal. Earlier big farmers collect the produce of themselves and nearby small framers and carry it to bigger markets like Delhi and Chandigarh for sale, where they have linkages with trader. There is no transparent method of price discovery. The farmers have to settle whatever price is afforded to them after deducting unregulated  transportation  and incidental charges. The marketing model is depicted in following diagram. Farmer  ------ à Bigger Farmer---- à   Arthiya (Commision Agent) in Delhi Market --- à Trader --- à Retailer------ à Consumer. The other method is that the big traders in