Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has asked the Horticulture Department to examine the feasibility of introducing Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for payments made under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), a move aimed at ensuring faster and more transparent financial support to apple growers in the state.
During a departmental review meeting held on Monday evening, the Chief Minister said that transferring payments directly into the bank accounts of horticulturists would streamline the existing system and provide timely assistance, especially to small and marginal farmers dependent on apple cultivation.
Reviewing preparations for the upcoming apple season, he instructed officials to estimate the expected crop yield and complete all necessary arrangements in advance. According to the department, nearly 132 procurement centres are likely to be operational this season for the purchase of apples under MIS. The Chief Minister directed authorities to provide sufficient collection centres and ensure smooth procurement of culled apples without inconvenience to growers.
Sukhu also highlighted the need to strengthen the marketing strategy for apple juice concentrate and other products managed by the Horticultural Produce Marketing Committee so as to improve institutional revenues. He further called for expanding auction infrastructure to accelerate the sale process for horticultural produce.
Stressing accountability and efficiency, the Chief Minister ordered complete digitisation of the procurement mechanism to bring greater transparency to the system. He said the state government remains focused on protecting the interests of apple growers and continues to introduce reforms aimed at improving the welfare of the farming and horticulture sector.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
