CM Directs HPMC to Begin Preparations for Apple Procurement Season, Pushes for Complete Digitization.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to initiate all necessary arrangements for apple procurement under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) ahead of the upcoming apple season. He also stressed the need for complete end-to-end digitization of the procurement process to ensure transparency and ease for growers.
The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting of various HPMC schemes held here on Wednesday evening. The Chief Minister said that the State Government remains firmly committed to protecting the interests of apple growers, particularly small and marginal farmers, and asked the corporation to maximize benefits for them through efficient procurement mechanisms.
He instructed officials to complete all preparations before the commencement of the procurement season and ensure that procurement centres are notified well in advance so that apple growers across the state do not face inconvenience.
Highlighting the achievements of the corporation, the Chief Minister said that HPMC procured a record 98,540 metric tonnes of apples under the MIS in 2025, marking the highest procurement in the history of Himachal Pradesh. He noted that HPMC was the sole agency responsible for apple procurement under the scheme last year, unlike previous years when HIMFED also participated in the process. The arrangement of entrusting procurement solely to HPMC, he said, would continue in the future as well.
Emphasizing modernization and accountability, the Chief Minister directed the corporation to digitize its operations completely. He said that from the next procurement season, the entire process — from procurement to data management — should be fully digitized to ensure transparency, efficiency and hassle-free procurement for horticulturists.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of apple growers, the Chief Minister said several farmer-friendly initiatives had been introduced to safeguard their interests. These include the implementation of a universal carton system aimed at curbing exploitation and ensuring better returns for growers. He also stated that the government had released the highest-ever amount under the MIS to clear pending payments owed to apple growers.
Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary Horticulture C. Paulrasu, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary D.C. Rana, Director Digital Technology and Governance Dr. Nipun Jindal and other senior officers attended the meeting.
