Shimla (
Himachal Pradesh
[India], April 1 (ANI):
Himachal Pradesh
Minister of Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development
Jagat Singh Negi
On Tuesday unveiled significant advancements for the state’s gardening industry, detailing accomplishments, new projects, and upcoming strategies.

Following the 217th meeting of the Board of Directors, he addressed a press conference.
Himachal Pradesh
Horticultural
Produce
Marketing
& Processing Corporation (
HPMC
), Negi emphasized the company’s financial outcomes, current initiatives, and growth plans.

Minister Negi emphasized
HPMC
highlighted the company’s financial achievements, mentioning that the organization has registered a record-breaking profit of Rs 5 crore this fiscal year. Additionally, they reached their peak production level with 2,000 metric tons of apple concentrate produced.

“Today, the
Himachal Pradesh
Agriculture
Marketing
Committee (
HPMC
) conducted its 217th session. It was my inaugural meeting with the Board of Directors, and I am delighted to report that
HPMC
has been providing valuable services to the state’s horticulturists and farmers for many years. It has built a robust national reputation thanks to its various programs and initiatives.
Marketing
“Intervention Scheme (MIS), which includes acquiring apples and other goods,” stated Negi.

HPMC
It has also explored the realms of apple cider vinegar and apple wine production while launching ready-to-serve juices available in 250ml, 500ml, and 1000ml packaging, which are currently for sale.
Delhi
and Jaipur metro stations.

Negi highlighted the significance of expanding infrastructure, indicating that
HPMC
intends to leverage its extensive real estate holdings nationwide for financial gain. The company plans to convert properties located in major urban centers into income-generating assets, including
Mumbai
,
Delhi
,
Kolkata
, and
Chennai
, via commercial leasing and development initiatives.

”
HPMC
possesses valuable property in multiple urban areas, including 15 bighas in
Kolkata
, anticipated to yield an initial revenue surpassing Rs 100 crore along with an annual rent collection of more than Rs 2 crore. We are currently concluding the tender processes to maximize the usage of these assets,” he stated.

Furthermore, the board has opted to outsource the management of Cold Atmosphere (CA) storage units and grading-packing stations via a bidding process, guaranteeing their effective operation under private sector oversight.
HPMC
is also set to construct CA storage units using geothermal technology, with a pilot project already initiated in Kinnaur’s Tapri region.

HPMC
is partnering with a company based in Iceland to create geothermal-driven cold storage facilities, making use of hot spring power. This project also encompasses a fruit and vegetable dehydrator capable of processing up to 500 kilograms daily, showing positive outcomes.

“This geothermal project has the potential to revolutionize cold storage solutions across India, reducing dependence on electricity while also supporting central heating systems for homes.” Negi added.

HPMC
It has also introduced an online service platform, allowing for the direct sale of garden produce to customers. This move has garnered favorable feedback and excellent reviews from users.

He stated that with government support and the future roadmap, under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), the measures would be implemented.
Himachal Pradesh
The government has allotted Rs 30 crore for this purpose.
HPMC
For acquiring apples from farmers, Minister Negi guaranteed that the administration remains dedicated to making prompt payments to them and improving supportive services.

He additionally declared new product releases in South India, specifically in
Chennai
, to strengthen
HPMC
‘s market presence.

“The outcomes of our board meeting include significant choices such as expanding infrastructure, broadening our product range, and advancing technology. Our aim is to enhance facilities and services for farmers and horticulturists within the state,” he stated.

With these initiatives,
HPMC
is set to bolster its market standing while guaranteeing ongoing advantages for the agricultural community
Himachal Pradesh
. (ANI)