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Economic survey of Himachal Pradesh 2014-15

The economy of Himachal Pradesh is expected to grow 6.5 per cent in the current financial year, a notch less than the national growth of 7.5 per cent. The latest Economic Survey report was tabled in the state Assembly on 17 March, 2015. In recent years, the state has grown a shade faster than the national growth, but this year the state has fallen behind. The per capita income is expected to be at Rs 1,04,943 crore in the current financial year. The gross state domestic product (GSDP) at current prices is estimated to touch Rs 85,841 crore. Agriculture contributes 14 per cent to the GSDP. Fruit production was 0.65 tonne (mt) till the end of the previous year. Apple has a share of 89 per cent in the state's fruit basket. Apple production fell to 0.58 mt, compared with 0.74 mt in the previous year. Off-season vegetable production in the previous year was 1.43 mt. This is expected to be higher at 1.45 mt this financial year. Tourism contributes 7.5 per cent to the GSDP. Last year, the highest 16.3 million tourists visited the state, this includes 390,000 foreigners. The Economic Survey report says there are 2,377 hotels that have a bed capacity of 61,236. Blessed with a potential of 27,434 megawatt (Mw) of hydro power, the state has been able to tap only a third of this potential at 9,433 Mw. On the latest count, the report says there are 502 medium and large scale industries. Small-scale industries have gone up to 40,429, with a total investment of about Rs 18,307 crore.