Shimla, Sept. 3 -- Blueberry cultivation is expanding to high-altitude open fields in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, reaching elevations of 11,500 feet (3,500 metres) above sea level providing an option of cash crop to the farmers of Lahaul.

A new initiative to cultivate blueberries in the Lahaul Valley has been launched through the efforts of the horticulture department in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti.

With appropriate training, guidance, and support from the horticulture department, Pratap Chand-a progressive grower from Gondhla-has successfully cultivated 500 blueberry plants in a 500-square-metre polyhouse and these plants are expected to bear fruit soon.

Lahaul and Spiti deputy commissioner (DC) Kiran Bhadana formally ...