Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday directed the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to complete all preparations for apple procurement under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) ahead of the upcoming season.
Review Meeting Highlights
Chairing a review meeting of HPMC schemes, Sukhu stressed that the state government remained committed to safeguarding the interests of apple growers, particularly small and marginal farmers. He instructed officials to notify procurement centres well in advance and ensure all necessary arrangements were in place before the procurement process begins, so that growers across the state did not face inconvenience.
Record Procurement in 2025
Sukhu said HPMC had procured a record 98,540 metric tonnes of apples under the MIS in 2025, the highest ever in the state's history. He noted that HPMC was the sole agency responsible for procurement last year, unlike earlier years when HIMFED also participated in the process. The arrangement, he added, would continue in the future as well.
Digitisation and Grower Welfare Measures
The chief minister also directed HPMC to adopt complete digitisation of the procurement system from the next season. He said end-to-end digital processing and data management would ensure transparency and hassle-free procurement for horticulturists. Highlighting measures taken for the growers' welfare, Sukhu said the state government had introduced a universal carton system and cleared pending dues by releasing the highest-ever MIS payment amount.
