Economy of Himachal Pradesh

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The era of economic planning started in Himachal Pradesh in 1948. The first five year plan allocated about Rs.5.27 crore to Himachal. More than 50% of this expenditure was spent on transport facilities since it was felt that without proper it, the process of planning and development couldn't be carried.

The community development programme which was launched in 1952 in Himachal, in certain selected areas was later extended to the entire rural Himachal. In Mandi and Kangra, package programmes were undertaken in collaboration with the West Germany for popularising modern techniques of cultivation among the farmers. Suitable agricultural machinery and animal husbandary were introduced in these areas. Well equipped soil testing laboratories, dairy farms and agricultural workshops were set up at various centres, besides an Agriculture University at Palampur.

Himachal is one of those states in India which was rapidly transformed from the most backward part of the country to one of most advanced states. At present Himachal ranks fourth in respect of per capita income among the states of the Indian Union.

Himachal education system is well established, its agriculture is enough for its self-sufficiency, its horticulture is highly impressive in the country and even in abroad, its road connectivity system has emerged as the best in the mountanious areas in India, the infrastructure for its industrial development are well laid out, its rich forest resources being augmented and above all, the increasing attention of the nation towards the exploitation of its hydel resources are the signs for its bright future.^[1] It has already become the ideal in respect of development for the hill areas of the country.