Himachal Pradesh: India's Fruit Bowl Thrives with Apples, Diverse Produce

• Himachal Pradesh is known as the 'Fruit Bowl of India' due to its extensive fruit production, favorable climate, and horticulture industry.
• The state's stable, temperate climate and fertile soil in the Western Himalayas are ideal for fruits not grown in warmer plains, with altitudes from 350m to over 6,000m creating diverse microclimates.
• Himachal Pradesh produces nearly half of India's total apple output, with Shimla, Kinnaur, and Kullu as leading districts, and apples are exported nationally and internationally.
• Beyond apples, the state cultivates cherries, plums, apricots, peaches, kiwi, and strawberries, ensuring year-round fruit availability.
• Horticulture supports 200,000 families, with government investments in infrastructure; fruits are transported to major markets like Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, boosting tourism through orchard tours and festivals.

Why It Matters: Himachal Pradesh, the 'Fruit Bowl of India', excels in fruit production, supporting livelihoods and tourism.