Himachal Pradesh’s economy is expected to achieve a growth rate of 9 per cent in the current financial year, which is higher than the national average of 8.6 per cent.
This was stated by Chief Minister P K Dhumal while presenting the economic survey in the state Assembly here today.
The state gross domestic product (GSDP) at current prices is likely to be about Rs 52,426 crore in the current financial year.
The per capita income saw a rise of 9.4 per cent as it rose to Rs 50,365 in 2009-10 from Rs 46,019 in 2008-09. This is mainly attributed to 12.2 per cent in secondary sectors,10.7 per cent in transport and trade and 12.5 per cent in the services sector.
Food grains output was 12,27,000 MT in 2008-09. This fell to 10,17,000 MT the following year, even though the state is expected to produce 15,80,000 MT in the current financial year.
Fruit production was 961,000 tonnes in the current financial year against 382,000 tonnes the previous year. Apple has 93 per cent of the total fruit output share. This year a record 892,000 tonnes of apple was produced against 280,000 tonnes the previous year.
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Industry is growing fast in the state.There are 460 medium and large scale industries and about 37,476 small industries with a total investment of Rs 12,712 crore.
Of the total assessed hydel potential of 23,000 Mw, only 6,672 Mw has been harnessed by various agencies which is 29 per cent of the total potential.
High priority has been accorded to the tourism industry which has emerged as a major sector in the development of the economy of the hill state. Last year, there were a record 13.2 million tourist arrivals including 4,54,000 foreigners.