Shimla: In a significant move aimed at protecting fruit growers from market volatility and ensuring assured returns, the Himachal Pradesh Government has approved the implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for the procurement of processing-grade mangoes, citrus fruits and C-grade apples during the 2026 fruit season.
The decision is expected to provide a safety net for thousands of horticulturists across the state by guaranteeing minimum support prices (MSP) for produce that often struggles to find remunerative markets despite being suitable for processing. The procurement programme will be implemented primarily through the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC), while HIMFED may also be associated with apple procurement, if required.
According to the Horticulture Department, the scheme has been designed to stabilise growers’ incomes, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the state’s fruit processing ecosystem. It also reflects the government’s continued emphasis on supporting Himachal’s horticulture sector, which remains one of the state’s largest contributors to the rural economy.
Under the approved scheme, processing-grade seedling, grafted and unripe Achari varieties of mangoes will be procured at a minimum support price of ₹12 per kilogram from July 15 to August 31, 2026. To streamline handling and transportation, HPMC will use recyclable plastic crates with a capacity of 20 kilograms, although growers may bring their produce in any suitable packaging, which will be returned after unloading. A total of 42 fruit collection centres will be established across the state to facilitate procurement.
The government has also fixed support prices for processing-grade citrus fruits. Kinnow, Malta and Sangtra will be procured at ₹12 per kilogram, while Galgal will be purchased at ₹10 per kilogram. Procurement of citrus fruits will take place between November 21, 2026 and February 15, 2027. While Kinnow, Malta and Sangtra will be collected in reusable 15-kilogram plastic crates, Galgal will be procured in 40-kilogram gunny bags. Farmers will continue to have the flexibility of bringing their produce in their own packaging material, which will be returned after unloading.
Apple growers are expected to receive one of the biggest benefits under the scheme. The government has approved the procurement of up to 1.50 lakh metric tonnes of processing-grade C-grade apples at a support price of ₹12 per kilogram during the procurement window from August 1 to October 31, 2026.
Officials said only apples with a diameter exceeding 51 millimetres and conforming to the prescribed quality standards will be accepted. Produce that is rotten, windfallen, bird-damaged, severely diseased, insect-infested, shrivelled or treated with ethephon will be rejected under the scheme to ensure quality raw material for the processing industry.
The Horticulture Department has also introduced clear operational guidelines to improve transparency and efficiency. Only farmers registered on the HPMC MIS Portal will be eligible to sell their produce under the programme. Registration has been made mandatory, and growers have been advised to complete the process well before the procurement season begins.
In addition, farmers will be required to supply 2.5 per cent extra produce by weight to offset natural losses caused by evaporation and respiration during handling and transportation, a standard practice under the Market Intervention Scheme.
The government has appealed to all eligible horticulturists to register promptly and ensure that only produce meeting the prescribed quality parameters is brought to designated procurement centres. Farmers seeking assistance with registration or operational guidelines have been advised to contact their nearest Horticulture Office or the notified HPMC procurement centres.
With Himachal Pradesh’s economy closely linked to horticulture, particularly apple cultivation, the expanded Market Intervention Scheme is expected to provide timely market assurance, strengthen growers’ confidence and reinforce the state’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of fruit producers against fluctuating market conditions while promoting value addition through the processing sector.
This is a web-generated news report.
