Young founders in Manali and Dharamshala are building tools tailored to mountain travel.

Traders said the move would help local producers reach larger markets, with orchard growers and craft cooperatives among the first to benefit.

What happens next

Economists noted that the hill economy depends heavily on tourism and apples, and that diversifying into processing and handicrafts would add stability.

Industry representatives asked for faster approvals and better road links to keep costs down.