sukhu-asks-hpmc-to-gear-up-for-apple-procurement-season

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to gear up for the procurement of apples for the upcoming season under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).

 

While reviewing various schemes of the HPMC here on Wednesday evening, Sukhu said the state government was committed to ensuring the welfare of apple growers, especially small and marginal farmers, and asked the HPMC to work towards maximising benefits for them. He instructed officials to make all necessary arrangements before procurement begins for the next season and to notify procurement centres well in advance for the convenience of apple growers across the state.

 

The Chief Minister said the HPMC procured a record 98,540 metric tonnes of apples in 2025 under the MIS, the highest in the history of the state. He added that last year the HPMC was the sole agency responsible for apple procurement under the MIS scheme, whereas earlier HIMFED had also been involved in the procurement process. However, the state government entrusted the responsibility solely to the HPMC from last year, and the arrangement would continue in future as well.

 

He emphasised the need to digitise the functioning of the HPMC and said from the next season, the entire procurement process and data should be digitised end-to-end to ensure transparency and hassle-free procurement for horticulturists.

 

The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to safeguarding the interests of apple growers and would leave no stone unturned in this regard. He added that the government had taken several steps for their welfare, including the introduction of a universal carton system to curb exploitation and ensure growers receive maximum returns for their hard work. He further said the state government has also released the highest amount under the MIS to clear the outstanding payments of apple growers.

 

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary (Horticulture) C. Paulrasu, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary DC Rana, Director (Digital Technology and Governance) Dr Nipun Jindal, and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

 

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