Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has congratulated the state horticulture department for winning the award of best horticulture state in the country. This award was given by the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) at a ceremonious function held in New Delhi on Tuesday.Jai Ram Thakur said that the present state government has taken various initiatives for diversification of horticulture sector and this award reflects the result of the endeavours of the government.He said Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged as Best Horticulture State owing to the new initiatives like Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project, Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojna, Mukhya Mantri Madhu Vikas Yojna, Himachal Khumb Vikas Yojna, Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project, Mukhya Mantri Greenhouse Renovation Scheme, Scheme for promotion of anti-hail nets, horticulture mechanization etc. being implemented by the state government for holistic growth of horticulture sector.Horticulture Minister Mahender Singh Thakur has also expressed happiness on getting this award from the ICFA. He congratulated the entire team of the department for this accomplishment.Although Horticulture Minister and Secretary, Horticulture were to receive this award but due to their busy schedule in arrangements for Global Investor’s Meet, Managing Director (NMS) Dr. Ajay Dhiman and Deputy Project Director (HPSHIVA) Dr. Devinder S Thakur received this award on behalf of government of Himachal Pradesh.The National Awards Committee was headed by Justice P. Sathasivam, Governor of Kerala, with sixteen persons of global eminence as its members.