CM Sukhu has directed the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to begin advance preparations for apple procurement under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) ahead of the upcoming season.
Reviewing HPMC’s ongoing schemes on Wednesday evening, the Chief Minister stressed that the state government remains firmly committed to protecting the interests of apple growers, particularly small and marginal farmers. He instructed officials to complete all logistical arrangements before the season begins and ensure procurement centres are notified well in advance to facilitate growers across the state.
Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening the horticulture sector, Sukhu said HPMC achieved a historic milestone by procuring a record 98,540 metric tonnes of apples under MIS in 2025 — the highest ever in Himachal Pradesh. He noted that HPMC had handled the procurement process independently last year after the state government withdrew HIMFED’s role, and the same system would continue in the future.
The Chief Minister also laid emphasis on bringing complete transparency to the procurement mechanism through technology-driven reforms. He directed HPMC to implement end-to-end digitization of the apple procurement process from the next season, ensuring seamless operations and hassle-free services for horticulturists.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to orchardists, Sukhu said several farmer-centric measures have already been introduced, including the universal carton system aimed at preventing exploitation and helping growers secure better returns for their produce. He added that the government had also released the highest-ever MIS payments to clear pending dues of apple growers.
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