Himachal Pradesh Government Doubles Controlled Atmosphere Storage Capacity to Benefit Horticulturists and Farmers

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh Government has successfully doubled the Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity of the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) in just two years. The total CA storage capacity has surged from 3,380 metric tons (MT) in 2023 to an impressive 8,260 MT across seven CA stores in the state. This significant development is poised to greatly benefit horticulturists and farmers, ensuring better storage options and improved prices for their produce, particularly during the off-season.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative had a direct positive impact on thousands of families involved in the horticulture sector. By improving storage facilities, farmers are now able to store their produce efficiently and receive higher prices for their crops, even when they are not in peak season. This move is a testament to the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and horticulturists, he added.

The government has also focused on enhancing existing infrastructure to support agricultural produce. Notable upgrades include the Gumma CA store’s capacity expansion from 640 MT to 2,017 MT, while the Jarol-Tikker CA store now holds 2,062 MT, an increase from 640 MT. Similarly, the Rohru CA store’s capacity has grown from 700 MT to 2,031 MT. In addition to these upgrades, the government has established two new CA stores: one in Reckong Peo with a 250 MT capacity and another in Chachyot with a 500 MT capacity, all of which serve to ease the burdens on local farmers.

To further assist horticulturists and farmers, the Himachal Pradesh Government has reduced the CA booking rates from Rs. 2 per kilogram per month to Rs. 1.60 per kilogram per month. This reduction in rates provides significant financial relief to the farming community, making the storage of agricultural produce more affordable.

Chief Minister Sukhu also highlighted the government’s efforts to address long-standing issues in the agricultural sector. These initiatives include the introduction of universal cartons for produce packaging and an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of apples from Rs. 10 to Rs. 12 per kilogram under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Additionally, the government has reinstated subsidies for pesticides, which were discontinued during the previous BJP-led government. The government has also cleared Rs. 150 crore in pending payments to apple growers under the MIS, offering much-needed financial support to the state’s farmers.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the state government is reinforcing its commitment to the development and well-being of the agricultural sector in Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that farmers and horticulturists are better equipped to thrive in a competitive market environment.

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