SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh chief secretary Vineet Chawdhry has said there was big scope for exchange programme of experts for production and productivity enhancement of commercial crop, along with setting up of agro-based industries, including those for spices. He said Himachal Pradesh was known as apple state and was heading forward to become cut flower state. He said the state needs co-operation for import of elite planting material, technical co-operation and capacity building of officers and farmers besides integrated post-harvest management.Chawdhry said this while chairing a meeting for the exposure of heads of mission of Norway and Syria to the economic strengths and opportunities of Himachal Pradesh. The focus of the meeting was on exchange of technical know-how and promoting specific interests of the state in the respective countries. He said there was a large scope for area expansion of cash crops in open as well as protected cultivation, along with value addition and post harvest management. He said there was a vast potential of tourism in Himachal and the state sought cooperation in development of tourism infrastructure , ropeways development, adventure tourism, civil aviation sector and setting up of model tourist villages.He said Himachal Pradesh also needs co-operation for investment in development of 31 eco-circuits and five eco-tourism hubs with investment of Rs 1,000 crore per hub. He said the topography of the state was suitable for health restoration and conducive for medicinal plants in all climatic zones. The scope for collaboration in the ayurveda sector was in sharing knowledge of Ayush system, rejuvenate therapy, panchkarma and yoga. He said fisheries projects could be set up in other parts of the state with Norwegian collaboration.Indian ambassador to Norway Krishan Kumar said Norway was ahead in renewable energy, tourism, adventure tourism, ski resorts, civil aviation, tunnelling and ropeways. He said the expertise of Norway could be utilized to develop these sectors. Indian ambassador to Syria Man Mohan Bhanot said Syria had strong capabilities in food processing, agriculture research like mushroom, ayurvedic products, pharmaceuticals and semi-skilled workers. He said Himachal could benefit from the opportunities available in these sectors.

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