India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD 10 million project readiness financing (PRF) to help finance piloting activities and design and capacity building for an ensuing project that aims to expand horticulture production and farm household income in Himachal Pradesh.<br />'' <br />''The signatories to the PRF for Himachal Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Readiness Project were  Additional Secretary in the Finance Ministry Dr. C. S. Mohapatra and Officer-in-Charge of ADB's India Resident Mission Mr. Hoe Yun Jeong.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">After signing the loan agreement, Dr Mohapatra stated that the PRF project will support advance actions to achieve a high level of project readiness through detailed design activities. The ensuing project, to be designed by the PRF, will support development of subtropical horticulture, including cultivation of fruits and vegetables, in the state's southern region which is currently lagging due to limited access to perennial water sources.</span><br />