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Anti-hail guns to be set up in Himachal

SHIMLA: To check the severe problem of hailstones and sleet during the flowering season in apple orchards, the Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to install anti-hail guns and a hail control system in the hill State.

According to Horticulture Minister Narender Bragta, the proposal has been sent to the Centre because many farmers are facing this problem in the apple belt.

Mr. Bragta said that under the Horticulture Technology Mission the State has received Rs.80 lakh for installing an anti-hail gun on an experimental basis.

According to him, a 35 per cent qualitative loss has been recorded in the fruit crop due to hailstones this year. “Hailstones are one of the major calamities which result in a substantial economic loss to the farmers by damaging the horticulture crops, particularly apple and off-season vegetables,” he said, adding that suggestions and technical opinion would be invited from experts to establish an effective hail control system in the State.

Meanwhile, the Government has decided to allow only quality plants and saplings to be imported from outside for plantation in the State. Officials from the Horticulture Department would keep a strict vigil to maintain an effective quality control, said the Minister.

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