"GST Hurt Producer States With Small Consumer Base Like HP, But We're Building Self-Reliance."

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in an exclusive conversation with Rajat Mishra, opened up about the state's vision for economic transformation - from reimagining tourism and entrepreneurship to rethinking sustainability and industrial growth. In this candid interaction, Sukhu spoke about his government's roadmap to make Himachal a self-reliant, climate-conscious, and entrepreneur-driven economy.

- CM Sukhu

What is the strategy for economic growth in Himachal Pradesh?

Our goal is simple: to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state within the next two years. For that, we are aligning every policy and initiative around the state’s natural strengths and its unique geography.

When we studied Himachal’s demographic and geographic profile, we realised our core growth pillars – tourism, hydroelectric power, dairy, food processing, horticulture, and natural farming. These sectors are not just our traditional strengths; they are also aligned with sustainability, climate adaptation, and rural livelihood generation.

To support this, we are focusing heavily on infrastructure modernisation - expanding airport capacity, improving connectivity, and building heliports. The Dharamshala-Kangra airport expansion is already underway, and similar projects are being considered in other regions.

Himachal’s terrain, divided across the Shivalik, mid-Himalayan, and greater Himalayan ranges, provides the perfect microclimates for natural and organic farming. That’s why we are promoting it aggressively, turning natural farming into a profitable and environmentally responsible economic model.

At the same time, we are harnessing our energy potential. With 13,000 MW of hydropower already tapped, we are well on our way to becoming a green energy hub. I genuinely believe that if there is any state in India capable of leading the green hydrogen revolution, it is Himachal Pradesh.

How are you encouraging entrepreneurship, especially around tourism, which contributes nearly 8% to the state's GDP?

Tourism is not just a revenue source for Himachal – it is an identity. But we want to take it from being a seasonal and service-based industry to a sustainable, entrepreneur-led ecosystem.