In a significant move to empower apple growers and boost the state’s horticulture sector, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday announced that the Himachal Pradesh Government will provide quality horticulture equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides at affordable rates through the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) starting January 1, 2024.
Expressing the Government's dedication to the welfare of apple growers, the Chief Minister highlighted that HPMC has reduced its margin from 15 to nine per cent. This reduction is aimed at making quality agricultural products more economically accessible to the state’s apple growers, contributing to their overall prosperity, he said.
To ensure direct access to essential items at competitive rates, HPMC has entered into 38 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with original manufacturing companies — a strategic initiative aimed to cut intermediary costs and enable farmers to procure vital supplies at more affordable prices.
“Our Government is committed to supporting apple growers, and the decision to reduce margins reflects our dedication to uplifting the horticultural community and enhancing the economic well-being of apple growers in Himachal as our top priority,” said Sukhu.
Underscoring the Government’s commitment to systemic reform, he emphasized that every decision is geared towards public welfare and the holistic development of the state. The Government aimed to increase the income of horticulturists, and the Horticulture Department will revamp existing schemes for greater effectiveness through suitable restructuring.
In a forward-looking approach, the Government has allocated funds in its first budget to establish an online system facilitating the procurement of horticulture produce at the minimum support price by HPMC. This online facility will extend to booking Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores of HPMC, offering farmers a streamlined and tech-enabled process for various transactions.
Chief Minister Sukhu also revealed plans for the establishment of grading or packing houses, CA, and cold stores in collaboration with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across strategically selected locations in the State, including Bhavanagar in Kinnaur, Sandasu near Chirgaon, Anu in Jubbal, Chopal in Shimla, Jabli in Solan district, Sundernagar in Mandi, Duttnagar near Rampur Bushehar, and Kharapathar in Shimla.
Reflecting on the successful sale of apples at a per-kilogram rate in the current year, Chief Minister Sukhu assured that the upcoming season would witness a streamlined process with apples packed in universal cartons, meeting a long-pending demand of apple growers and ensuring increased profits.
