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Himachal CM Sukhu Directs HPMC to Gear Up for Apple Procurement Season

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed HPMC to begin arrangements for apple procurement in the upcoming season under the Market Intervention Scheme. The Chief Minister emphasized the state government's commitment to small and marginal farmers and ordered digitization of the entire procurement process. HPMC achieved a record procurement of 98,540 metric tonnes of apples in 2025, the highest in state history. The meeting also discussed the universal carton system and welfare measures for apple growers.

Key Points: HP CM Sukhu Orders HPMC Apple Procurement Preparations

  • HPMC directed to prepare for apple procurement under MIS
  • Record 98,540 MT apples procured in 2025
  • Digitization of procurement process ordered
  • Universal carton system introduced for grower welfare
2 min read

HP: CM Sukhu directs HPMC to start arrangements for apple procurement

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directs HPMC to prepare for apple procurement under MIS, highlighting record 98,540 MT procurement in 2025.

"The state government was committed to ensuring the welfare of apple growers, especially small and marginal farmers - CM Sukhu"

Shimla, May 7

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while reviewing the various schemes of the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation last evening, directed the corporation to gear up for the procurement of apples for the upcoming season under the Market Intervention Scheme.

According to a statement released by the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, the Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to ensuring the welfare of apple growers, especially small and marginal farmers and asked the HPMC to work towards maximising benefits for them. He instructed the officers to make all necessary arrangements before procurement begins for the next season and to notify procurement centres well in advance for the convenience of apple growers across the state.

The Chief Minister said that the HPMC procured a record 98,540 metric tonnes of apples in 2025 under the MIS, the highest in the history of the State. He added that last year, the HPMC was the sole agency responsible for apple procurement under the MIS scheme, whereas earlier, HIMFED had also been involved in the procurement process. However, the State Government entrusted the responsibility solely to the HPMC from last year, and the arrangement would continue in future as well.

He emphasized upon digitizing the functioning of the HPMC and said that from the next season, the entire procurement process and data should be digitised end-to-end to ensure transparency and hassle-free procurement for the horticulturists.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to safeguarding the interests of apple growers and would leave no stone unturned in this regard. He added that the government has taken several steps for their welfare, including the introduction of a universal carton system to curb exploitation and ensure growers receive maximum returns for their hard work. He further said that the state government has also released the highest amount under the MIS to clear the outstanding payments of the apple growers.

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary Horticulture C. Paulrasu, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary DC Rana, Director Digital Technology and Governance Dr. Nipun Jindal and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
98,540 metric tonnes is indeed record-breaking! But I'm concerned about HPMC being the sole agency. Competition from HIMFED kept prices competitive. Now, without checks, will farmers really get better rates? Need to see the actual payment timings and rates this season.
K
Kavya N
My uncle is a small apple farmer in Kotgarh. Last year, his payment was delayed by 4 months. CM Sukhu says they cleared outstanding payments - but is it really reaching the smallest farmers? The universal carton system is good in theory, but implementation in remote areas is key. Let's see transparency in digitisation!
J
James A
Interesting to follow Himachal's apple economy from the US. The digitisation push sounds progressive - similar to what we see in agricultural tech here. But hope the Chief Minister ensures rural internet connectivity before going fully digital. Many apple growers are in remote valleys with patchy networks.
S
Sneha F
Good intentions but we've heard promises before. The real test is when procurement starts in August-September. Will HPMC actually have enough storage capacity for 1 lakh tonnes? Last year, I heard apples rotting at collection centres due to delayed weighing. Hope CM follows through this time.
V
Vikram M
Universal carton system is a game-changer if implemented honestly! No more exploitation by carton mafia. And digitisation will stop fake weighments. But HPMC must also focus on quality grading - farmers with grade-A apples should get premium prices. Otherwise, it's just another scheme.

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