Shimla, July 12 -- The Himachal Pradesh government will launch the High Value Nut Mission from 2026 to 2031 to strengthen the state's horticulture sector and enhance farmers' incomes.

The mission aims to promote the cultivation of high-value temperate nut crops, including walnut, almond, apricot and pine nut (chilgoza). It seeks to address key challenges facing the sector, such as ageing orchards, low productivity, inadequate post-harvest infrastructure and limited value-addition opportunities.

The initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem for sustainable horticultural growth through scientific orchard management, modern infrastructure and improved market access, a release said.

Under the mission, around 1,000 hectares will be cover...