In Himachal Pradesh, the apple crop serves as much more than a fruit; it forms the core of rural livelihoods, powers the local economy, and defines the state’s horticultural identity. Recognizing this immense economic importance, the state government, led by CM Sukhu, is prioritizing the comprehensive development of the entire horticulture value chain—ranging from procurement and post-harvest management to processing, value addition, and marketing. A major step in this direction has been taken by the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC), which has fully integrated an end-to-end digital system into the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)-2026. This initiative digitizes grower registration and procurement record management to ensure transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency without any disruption to stakeholders.
The impact of this technological integration is evident in the scale of institutional procurement. As of September 18, 2026, HPMC has procured 4,188.504 metric tonnes of apples under MIS-2026 at the prescribed Market Intervention Price of ₹12 per kilogram exclusively through its online portal. Beyond procurement, the government’s vision focuses on maximizing economic returns across post-harvest stages. HPMC is actively expanding processing capabilities, cold storage, and value-addition infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and provide growers with superior marketing avenues. By promoting the scientific utilization of apple waste and developing value-added products, the state is actively working to diversify the horticulture economy, create local employment, and minimize operational wastage.
Complementing these digital and processing reforms is the introduction of the universal carton system, which standardizes apple packaging into uniform 20-kilogram boxes with strict specifications for different grades. This move brings consistency to trade transactions, eliminates packing discrepancies, and safeguards grower interests. Demonstrating the success of these strategic shifts, HPMC recorded a total turnover of approximately ₹214.19 crore and a profit of around ₹12 crore during 2025–26. This financial success was backed by diversified revenue streams, including ~₹158 crore from MIS operations, ~₹19.17 crore from juices and processed products, ~₹18.50 crore from horticultural inputs, and ~₹6.70 crore from cold storage and post-harvest services, marking a major milestone in building a resilient, modern, and sustainable horticulture sector.
Sponsored
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
