CM Launches ‘Pangi Apple’ Brand to Promote Naturally Grown Apples.
Initiative aims to establish a distinct identity for Pangi apples, boost farmers’ income and promote chemical-free agriculture.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the ‘Pangi Apple’ brand to promote apples produced through natural farming in the remote tribal region of Pangi in Chamba district. The initiative aims to establish a distinct identity for locally grown apples, strengthen the rural economy and provide better market recognition to farmers’ produce.
The Chief Minister said the state government was vigorously promoting natural farming across Himachal Pradesh. He expressed confidence that the launch of the ‘Pangi Apple’ brand would help distinguish apples grown in Pangi from those produced in other regions and create new economic opportunities for local farmers.
He said Pangi Sub-Division had been declared the state’s first Natural Farming Sub-Division, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting chemical-free agricultural practices and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative is also intended to improve the economic prospects and quality of life of residents of this remote tribal region.
370 Hectares Under Apple Cultivation
Pangi has approximately 370 hectares of land under apple cultivation, with more than 1,04,000 apple plants. The region is expected to produce around 35,000 boxes of apples, equivalent to approximately 550 metric tonnes, during the current season.
Despite this substantial production, apples grown in Pangi have traditionally been marketed outside the valley in cartons labelled as ‘Kullu Apples’ or ‘Kinnaur Apples’. As a result, Pangi’s own apple produce has not received adequate recognition in the market.
The launch of the dedicated ‘Pangi Apple’ brand is expected to address this gap by creating a separate identity for the region’s apples and helping consumers identify their place of origin.
Special Packaging at 50% Subsidy
To facilitate the branding initiative, the government has introduced customised ‘Pangi Apple’ cartons with capacities of 20 kg and 10 kg. These cartons are being provided to farmers at a 50 per cent subsidy to encourage them to market their produce under the new brand.
The Chief Minister said the customised packaging would help promote naturally grown apples from Pangi, improve their market recognition and enable local farmers to establish a stronger identity for their produce.
The initiative is also expected to support better marketing practices and encourage farmers to take advantage of the growing interest in naturally produced agricultural commodities.
Focus on Chemical-Free Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods
Sukhu said the initiative formed part of the state government’s vision to develop Pangi as the first chemical-free sub-division in Himachal Pradesh through natural farming.
The programme is expected to benefit approximately 6,300 farming households by strengthening their livelihoods, encouraging local entrepreneurship and creating additional economic opportunities in the tribal region.
By combining natural farming with dedicated branding and subsidised packaging, the initiative seeks to help Pangi’s apple growers gain greater recognition for their produce and strengthen their position in the market.
The launch marks an important step towards promoting the agricultural identity of Pangi and supporting sustainable farming practices in the region.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Resident Commissioner Amandeep Singh and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
