The Himachal Pradesh economy is estimated to witness a growth rate of 6.2 per cent for current fiscal 2013-14, comparatively higher than the national growth rate according to the economic survey report tabled in the Assembly on Thursday.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh who also holds finance portfolio, tabled the report saying as per the advanced estimates and on the basis of economic conditions up to December, 2013, the likely growth rate for 2013-14, will be around 6.2 percent which was 6.1 per cent for 2012-13 and 7.3 per cent in 2011-12. The per capita income at current prices witnessed an increase of 11.6 per cent.
It increased to Rs 83,899 in 2012-13 from Rs 75,185 in 2011-2012. The pre-budget economic survey estimated the per capita income at Rs 92,300 for 2013-14 in the State. In the State, fruit production was 8.28 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 (up to December 2013) against 5.56 lakh tonnes in 2012-13. Apple constitutes about 89 per cent of the total fruit production in the State. According to the economic survey report, state attracted 161.46 lakh tourists in 2012 including five lakh foreigners. State capital Shimla emerged as State's top destination for tourists followed by Manali.