Dharamshala, April 12 -- A new shade of orange in expected to stand out in terraced orchards of Himachal Pradesh with the horticulture department promoting the cultivation of the exotic fruit persimmon (Japani phal) with new clusters developed in areas with favourable climatic conditions across Mandi, Sirmaur, Kangra, Bilaspur and Solan districts during this season.

At present, Kullu accounts for nearly 90% of the state's total persimmon production. The initiative has been taken under the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition (HP SHIVA) project. A total area of 358 hectares is being covered under these clusters across the state.

In Mandi, five such clusters have been established in the Barot valley bet...