State government strengthens horticulture value chain through technology and value addition

20th September, 2026

· HPMC records Rs. 214.19 crore turnover in 2025-26 amid growing business diversification

In Himachal Pradesh, an apple is much more than a fruit. It is the backbone of livelihoods for thousands of families, a major contributor to the rural economy and an integral part of the state’s horticultural identity. Recognising this larger economic significance, the state government under the able and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is laying greater emphasis on strengthening the entire horticulture value chain from procurement and post-harvest management to processing, value addition and marketing.

A significant step in this direction has been taken by the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC). During the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)-2026, HPMC has linked the apple procurement process with an end-to-end digital system, bringing technology to the heart of institutional procurement.

Under the new system, the process begins with online registration of growers and extends to recording procurement-related details through a digital portal. The initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, record management and operational efficiency in procurement. HPMC has successfully implemented the system, which is functioning smoothly, with no complaint or operational problem reported by stakeholders so far.

The scale of procurement reflects the importance of the initiative. As of 18th September, 2026, HPMC had procured 4,188.504 metric tonnes of apples from growers under MIS-2026. The procurement is being undertaken at the prescribed Market Intervention Price of Rs. 12 per kilogram, exclusively through the online portal. For growers, a transparent and accessible institutional system can play an important role in building confidence in the procurement process.

Yet, the government’s approach extends beyond procurement. The larger objective is to ensure that horticultural produce generates greater economic value even after leaving the orchard. HPMC is therefore working across areas such as processing, cold storage, post-harvest management and value addition. These facilities are intended to provide growers with better opportunities for post-harvest handling and marketing while helping reduce losses.

The State Government is focusing on the scientific utilization of apple waste and promotion of value-added products to reduce wastage, strengthen processing, generate employment and diversify the horticulture economy. Strengthening processing infrastructure and developing new markets will further support this initiative.

Another measure aimed at bringing greater transparency and uniformity to the apple trade is the introduction of the universal carton system. Under the system, apples are packed in standardized 20-kilogram cartons, with prescribed specifications for different grades. The move is aimed at reducing discrepancies in packing, improving transparency in transactions and protecting the interests of growers. Along with digital procurement, standardized packaging adds another layer of accountability to the apple value chain.

HPMC recorded a turnover of approximately Rs. 214.19 crore and a profit of around Rs. 12 crore during 2025-26. Its business activities have increasingly diversified. Sales of juices and processed products contributed approximately Rs. 19.17 crore, horticultural inputs around Rs. 18.50 crore and cold storage and post-harvest facilities about Rs. 6.70 crore. MIS-related business accounted for approximately Rs. 158 crore in turnover.