Una Mango and Litchi Orchards: Sub-Himalayan Horticulture

Una district in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh at the lowest elevations has conditions suitable for tropical and subtropical fruit cultivation unlike higher Himachal districts. Mango orchards producing Dussehri, Langra, and local varieties thrive in the warm summers. Litchi (lychee) cultivation has expanded significantly in Una providing high-value fruit to Punjab and Delhi markets. Citrus fruits including lemon and orange are grown in the 300-800 metre altitude band. Traditional knowledge of variety selection, orchard establishment, and fruit care adapted to sub-Himalayan conditions differs from plains horticulture. The proximity to Chandigarh and Ludhiana markets gives Una farmers premium access unavailable to more remote Himachal districts. Cooperative marketing helps smaller growers access urban markets.