In a major boost for the hill states apple industry, the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) has achieved record production of 1,545 metric tons (MT) of apple juice concentrate as of October 4, 2024. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday hailed the accomplishment, attributing it to robust apple procurement and processing strategies.   This milestone showcases our commitment to supporting Himachals apple growers, said Sukhu. The concentrate was produced at three key processing plants — Parala in Shimla (814 MT), Parwanoo in Solan (653 MT), and Jarol in Mandi (78 MT).   92% of Apples Processed HPMC has processed 92 percent of the apples procured this season, minimizing auction sales and focusing on value-added processing. A total of 29,200 MT of apples have been procured under the states Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Of this, 19,437 MT were purchased via HPMCs 206 procurement centres, while 9,764 MT were procured through 109 Himfed centres.   As the season continues, procurement is expected to rise, and HPMC has implemented new methods, including purchasing 1,219 MT of apples in crates to improve quality. For the first time, apples were procured from the remote Pangi region in Chamba, expanding access to previously underserved areas.   Innovation Drives Efficiency The Chief Minister highlighted technological innovations that have streamlined the procurement process. HPMC has introduced an online portal to manage MIS, providing real-time data on procurement, transportation, and processing. The system is linked to direct bank transfers, ensuring transparent and timely payments to farmers. This digital system has revolutionized apple procurement, said Sukhu. It offers transparency, accuracy, and efficiency at every step of the process.   Lower Costs, Greater Support To further assist apple growers, the State Government has reduced the rental fees for Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores from Rs 1.90 to Rs 1.60 per kilogram, helping farmers preserve their produce for longer at lower costs. Additionally, HPMC lowered its profit margin on horticulture inputs like pesticides and fertilizers, reducing it from 15 to nine percent, making them more affordable for growers.   The state has also mandated the use of universal cartons for apple sales, ensuring standardized practices and fair pricing across the market.   Increased Processing and Market Expansion HPMCs processing capacity has been significantly expanded, with crushing capacity increasing from 21,000 MT last year to 39,000 MT this year. The grading and packaging line capacity has nearly doubled from 15,900 MT to 33,900 MT. These expansions will allow for higher production of apple juice concentrate and other apple-based products.   In addition, HPMC has expanded its product line. The wine units at Parala and Jarol have a combined annual production capacity of 1.50 lakh litres. The newly-introduced vinegar unit at Parala has an annual capacity of 50,000 litres, and the pectin unit produces 1.2 MT per day. A ready-to-serve juice unit, with a daily production capacity of 20,000 litres, has also been added to meet increasing demand.   Future Plans: Geothermal Cold Storage and National Reach Looking ahead, the State Government plans to build a geothermal cold store in Tapri, Kinnaur, by next year. This innovative facility will use geothermal energy for refrigeration, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for long-term apple storage.   HPMC is also expanding its market reach, with new retail outlets opening in key locations such as Delhi Metro stations. The state has engaged pan-India distributors to bring Himachals apple products to a wider audience. Our products are now reaching customers nationwide, said Sukhu, adding, We are committed to expand opportunities for our farmers and ensure that their produce is available across the country.   Commitment to Growers The Chief Minister reiterated the governments commitment to apple growers welfare, highlighting initiatives to reduce costs, improve processing capacity, and boost market access. Every decision we make is aimed at improving the prosperity of our apple-growing community, he concluded.

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