Shimla : Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) has processed a record 1,545 metric tonnes of apple juice concentrate this year. The sum comprises of 814 MT from Parala facility, 653 MT from Parwanoo facility, and 78 MT from Jarol facility. Sukhu pointed out that only 8 pc of the apples sourced this season are not being processed, as most of the fruit is not being sold through auctions because of strict procurement standards being followed. Up to this point, a total of 29,200 MT of apples have been acquired through the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), with 19,437 MT obtained from 206 procurement centers of HPMC and 9,764 MT from 109 centers of Himfed. Procurement has recently started in the remote Pangi region of Chamba district.
HPMC has started using crates to buy 1,219 MT of apples in order to improve quality. A new online platform has been introduced to simplify the MIS process, offering immediate procurement data and enhancing transparency and productivity.
HPMC has substantially enhanced its processing capabilities by elevating crushing capacity from 21,000 MT to 39,000 MT and increasing grading and packaging capacity from 15,900 MT to 33,900 MT. Furthermore, the wine facilities at Parala and Jarol have the capability to manufacture 150,000 liters per year. In addition, there is a vinegar unit that can produce 50,000 liters and a pectin unit generating 1.2 metric tons every day. In addition, HPMC is increasing its market reach by collaborating with distributors throughout India and establishing retail stores at Delhi Metro stations and other notable sites.
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