CM Sukhu Proposes Bamboo Processing Factory in Una; HPSFDC Posts Record Profit in FY 2024–25.
Shimla:
In a significant move to modernize forest-based industries and boost rural income, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday directed officials to explore the possibility of establishing a bamboo processing factory in the Gagret area of Una district. The proposal aims to provide remunerative prices to bamboo cultivators across Una, Kangra, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur districts.
Chairing the 215th Board of Directors meeting of the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation (HPSFDC), CM Sukhu also emphasized the importance of adopting modern technology in the Corporation’s operations. As part of this modernization effort, he instructed that CCTV surveillance systems be installed in all timber go-downs for better security and monitoring.
Highlighting the need for efficiency and ease of operations, the Chief Minister also directed the Corporation to integrate National Transit Passes into its system to streamline the transportation and tracking of forest produce across state and national boundaries.
Reviewing the Corporation’s performance, CM Sukhu noted that HPSFDC had shown significant financial growth in the last fiscal year. The Corporation achieved sales worth Rs. 289.91 crore from timber, rosin, and turpentine oil during FY 2024–25, resulting in a net profit of Rs. 14.93 crore. This marks a considerable improvement over FY 2023–24, when sales stood at Rs. 267 crore and the net profit was Rs. 7.88 crore.
Additionally, the Corporation earned Rs. 41.30 crore in royalty from silviculture felling operations, underlining its growing contribution to the state economy and sustainable forest management.
The Chief Minister stressed that the proposed bamboo processing facility could open up new opportunities in rural areas, generate employment, and give a boost to the agro-forestry sector. “We must tap into the commercial and ecological potential of bamboo, which is fast-growing and sustainable. Farmers across lower Himachal can significantly benefit if we create a structured market,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Kehar Singh Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Samir Rastogi, HPSFDC Managing Director Sanjay Sood, and other official and non-official board members and senior officers.
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of combining economic development with environmental sustainability, and further strengthens Himachal Pradesh’s position as a leader in forest-based industries.
