CA storage capacity of HPMC more than doubled in two years: Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the state government had more than doubled the controlled atmosphere (CA) storage capacity of the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC), which would immensely benefit fruit growers.

Sukhu said that in the past two years, the total CA storage capacity had increased from 3,380 MT before 2023 to 8,260 MT in seven CA stores in the state. “With this initiative, thousands of families associated with the horticulture sector are getting benefited, as they are now getting better prices for their produce during the off-season,” he added. This showed the commitment of the state government towards ensuring the welfare of horticulturists and farmers, he claimed.

Sukhu said that the HPMC had expanded its infrastructure to support the agriculture sector. The capacity of the Gumma CA store had been increased from 640 MT to 2,017 MT while that of the Jarol-Tikker CA store had increased to 2,062 MT from 640 MT. Similarly, the Rohru CA store capacity had been enhanced from 700 MT to 2,031 MT. Besides, new CA stores had been established at Reckong Peo (250 MT capacity) and Chachyot (500 MT capacity) to facilitate farmers.

He said, “To to give further support to horticulturists and farmers, the government has also reduced CA booking rates from Rs 2 per kg per month to Rs 1.60 per kg per month, which is providing significant financial relief to farmers.”

Sukhu said that the government had introduced universal cartons and increased the minimum support price (MSP) of apple from Rs 10 per kg to Rs 12 per kg being procured under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). He added that the subsidy on pesticides had been restored, which the previous BJP regime had discontinued. Besides, the government had cleared Rs 150 crore of pending payments to apple growers under the MIS.