CM Sukhu today inspected the world’s first geothermal-powered combined apple cold storage and fruit drying unit at Tapri in Kinnaur district. The facility, with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes, has been developed under a Memorandum of Understanding between HPMC and an Iceland-based company.
The Chief Minister said that the unit has processed a total of 16,963 kg of fruits over the past two years. Of this, 5,105 kg were processed between November 2024 and February 2025, while 11,948 kg were processed from June 2025 to January 2026. He added that the facility will prove increasingly beneficial for local farmers and fruit growers in the coming years.
He said the initiative reflects the State Government’s effort to harness geothermal energy for fruit storage and drying, offering sustainable support to horticulturists in the region. The Tapri site is known for having the hottest thermal spring in the area, making it suitable for such innovative use.
Unlike conventional systems dependent on electricity, the facility utilizes geothermal heat for drying fruits, setting a new benchmark in environmentally sustainable agricultural and horticultural practices.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
