HP set to clock 6.2 per cent growth riding on farm sector

As per the survey,the gross state domestic product in 2011-12 increased to Rs 63,812 crore from Rs 56,355 crore in 2010-11. As per the advanced estimates,it is likely to be about Rs72,076 crore in 2012-13.

Incidentally,despite the Congress’s charges against the earlier BJP government during the Assembly elections about lack of development and diversion and non-utilisation of grants,the per capita income witnessed an increase of 10.7 per cent,going up from Rs 67,475 in 2010-11 to Rs74,694 in 2011-12 .

Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal was quick to take the credit. “Our focus on the agriculture sector,starting innovative polyhouse scheme with a subsidy of up to 80 per cent and animal husbandry (Dhood Ganga Yojya) has paid dividends. The state’s overall growth has surprised the policy analysts,” he said.

Earlier,tabling the report,Virbhadra said,“The increase in GSDP could be attributed to 20 per cent increase in the community and personal service sectors,8.9 per cent in transport and trade and 8.1 per cent in finance and real estate. The primary sector,however,witnessed a fall by 5.2 per cent.”

The food production registered an increase. “It was 14.94 lakh tonne in 2010-11 and increased to 15.54 lakh tonne in 2011-12. In this fiscal,it is expected to increase to 15.80 lakh tonne,” the report said.

But the fruit production showed a decline by 63.7 per cent. From 10.27 lakh tonne in 2010-11,It came down to 3.73 lakh tonne in 2011-12. it registered a marginal increase in 2012-12 (till December) and was pegged at 4.67 lakh tonne,the survey said.

“Apple farming contributes nearly 84% to the total fruit production in the state. During 2012-13,3.92 lakh tonne of apples were produced against 2.75 lakh tonne in 2011-12. It was 8.92 lakh tonne in 2010-11,” the report said.

The share of the industries and services sector too showed an upward trend. Similarly,in the agriculture sector,particularly relating to the off-season vegetables,the production is likely to go up to 13.85 lakh tonnes by March 2013 against 12.69 tonnes in 2010-11.

The survey says that state’s hydropower generation potential of 23,000 MW —- about 25 per cent of India’s total hydropower potential —- is a powerful mechanism for speedier economic growth. However,only 8,368 MW of power has been tapped in the state. The survey states that Himachal needs to address all aspects like capacity addition,security,access and availability,environmental sustainability,and assured employment.

Tourism is another area,which Himachal should promote to boost economic growth. The survey lays emphasis on making efforts to cover arrears of 7.19 per cent share in the BBMB project even though after the Supreme Court order the state has started getting power share on current basis.

Later,the CM said: “Concerted efforts are being made to improve the efficiency of public service delivery,beside speeding up the growth.”

CM to present budget today

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh,who also holds the finance portfolio,will present state’s budget for year 2013-14 in the Assembly on Thursday. “The citizens,who voted the Congress to power,will not be disappointed,” he said.