Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who also chairs the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC), presided over the 220th Board of Directors meeting of the Corporation today.
The Board reviewed agenda items focused on enhancing operational efficiency, financial stability, and farmer support in the state’s horticulture sector. For the financial year 2024-25, HPMC recorded a turnover of approximately Rs. 111 crore and a net profit of Rs. 6.65 crore, reflecting improved management and performance.
To strengthen strategic planning and revenue generation, Jagat Singh Negi approved the creation of a sub-committee under HPMC Vice Chairman Surender Sharma. The committee will prepare a comprehensive marketing plan, explore development of vacant land and underutilized assets, and suggest forward and backward linkages to strengthen the horticulture value chain.
The Minister also approved the establishment of a grading and packing line with a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facility for the Chopal region, aimed at improving fruit handling and storage infrastructure to benefit apple growers.
To address staff shortages, additional manpower will be deployed from the Horticulture Department on a secondment basis to ensure smooth operations. Jagat Singh Negi directed officers to explore Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to ensure transparent payments to orchardists.
The meeting also discussed measures to support small and marginal farmers, including the provision of HMO Spray Oil, with each eligible farmer receiving five HMO drums subject to verification of revenue records.
The Minister emphasized that these initiatives will strengthen the Corporation’s marketing network, enhance infrastructure, and provide timely support to farmers.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
