Horticulture Minister presides over HPMC BoD meeting

·        Board approves Rs. 1.69 crore plant modernisation and Rs. 8.19 crore Apple Scnapes Project

The 222nd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Limited (HPMC) was held here today under the chairmanship of Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi.

The meeting reviewed various operational, commercial and developmental matters of the Corporation and approved a number of measures aimed at strengthening its processing, marketing and business operations for the benefit of farmers and fruit growers.

The Board approved the modernization and upgradation of HPMC’s food processing plants to improve processing efficiency, product quality and value addition, besides ensuring better utilization of existing infrastructure. The programme will also strengthen the promotion, branding and marketing of HPMC products in domestic and emerging markets. The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 1.69 crore.

The Board also approved a proposal to establish an Apple Scnapes plant at HPMC’s Food Processing Plant at Parala, at an estimated cost of Rs. 8.19 crore. The project will provide additional opportunities for the processing and value addition of apples produced in the State and strengthen the commercial ecosystem linked with Himachal Pradesh’s apple economy.

A new policy for setting up HPMC kiosks outside Himachal Pradesh was also approved. The initiative will provide additional marketing channels for HPMC products, expand their reach to new consumers and enhance the Corporation’s brand presence at the national level.

The Board reviewed reforms under the Market Intervention Scheme and the modernization of HPMC’s functioning, with particular emphasis on the digitization of records and processes related to farmers and growers. The HPMIM web portal and mobile application are facilitating the creation and systematic maintenance of individual digital records, making the disposal of cases more transparent, efficient and faster. The system will also facilitate Direct Benefit Transfer in future and reduce dependence on manual record-keeping.

The Board appreciated the state government’s decision to increase the support price under the Market Intervention Scheme by one rupee per kg, providing additional support to fruit growers and farmers.

The Board also considered proposals for the monetization and optimum utilization of HPMC’s idle and underutilized assets and facilities. The possibility of using these assets through public-private partnership models in major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, was discussed. The initiative is aimed at generating additional revenue, improving asset utilization and reducing the financial burden of maintaining underutilized infrastructure, while protecting HPMC’s commercial and institutional interests.

Measures to expand HPMC products in domestic and international markets were also discussed, including identification of suitable markets, stronger product positioning and development of marketing and export linkages. The Corporation is also working towards greater engagement with leading industry and trade organizations, including FICCI and CII, through industry forums, business meetings and other relevant platforms.

Jagat Singh Negi said that HPMC’s initiatives should focus on greater value addition, improved market access and wider business opportunities, ensuring that the benefits reach the farmers and growers of Himachal Pradesh. He said HPMC remains committed to contributing to the sustainable and long-term development of the State’s horticulture economy.