In New Year bonanza to farmers in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has decided to provide gardening equipment to them at affordable rates.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has said that the state government is taking a slew of decisions towards the development of horticulture sector and increasing the income of gardeners.
Under this, gardening equipment, fertilizers and pesticides will be made available at affordable rates through Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) from January 1, 2024.
The Chief Minister said that HPMC has reduced its profit margin from 15 percent to nine percent, which will enable apple growers to provide quality products at affordable rates.
HPMC has signed 38 MoUs for direct purchase from producing companies to provide essential commodities to the farmers at affordable rates. “Our government is committed to supporting apple growers, and the decision to reduce the margins reflects our dedication towards the well-being of apple growers in Himachal,” he said.
Online System
In its first budget, the state government has made a provision to set up an online system for purchasing horticulture produce at minimum support price through HPMC. This online facility will also be available for booking the air-conditioned stores of the corporation. Apart from selling produce from home, farmers will also be able to book equipment and other materials sold by HPMC online.
Grading, packing house; cold stores to be set up
The Chief Minister said that with the cooperation of farmer producer organizations, grading and packing houses, air-conditioned and water-conditioned houses have been set up in Bhavanagar of Kinnaur, Sandasu near Chirgaon, Anu of Jubbal, Chaupal and Kharapathar of Shimla, Jabli of Solan district, Sundernagar of Mandi and Dattanagar of Rampur Bushahr. Cold storages will be established.
Apple to be sold in universal carton
Fulfilling the pending demand of apple growers, the Himachal Government has ensured sale of apples at the rate of per kilogram. This has also increased the profit of apple growers. The Chief Minister said that in the coming apple season, sale of apples will be ensured in universal cartons.