Shimla, March 12 The Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd recorded an annual turnover of ₹111 crore and achieved a net profit of ₹6.65 crore for the financial year 2024-25, which reflects improved financial performance and effective management of the Corporation, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Thursday.
Presiding over the 220th meeting of the Board of Directors of HPMC held here on Thursday, Negi approved the formation of a sub-committee under the chairmanship of HPMC Vice Chairman Surender Sharma, in order to further strengthen strategic planning and project development.
The committee would prepare a comprehensive marketing plan and explore possibilities for developing the Corporation's vacant land and underutilised assets so as to enhance revenue generation, expand commercial activities and strengthen the marketing network.
The committee would also provide suggestions regarding forward and backward linkages to further strengthen the horticulture value chain, a statement issued here said.
During the meeting, the Board discussed various agenda items aimed at strengthening the operational efficiency and financial position of the Corporation. Various important decisions were taken during the meeting keeping in view the interests of orchardists and the overall development of the horticulture sector in the state.
The Minister also approved a proposal to establish a grading and packing line along with a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facility for the Chopal region using land available with the Horticulture Department. This facility was expected to benefit apple growers in the area by improving fruit handling and storage infrastructure.
The Minister directed the officers to explore the possibility of making payments to orchardists and farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), so as to ensure greater transparency in the payment process.
The meeting also discussed measures to support small and needy farmers. The Minister suggested that 10-20 bags of Horticulture mineral oil (HMO) Spray Oil be arranged to provide immediate relief.
He approved the provision of five HMO drums per eligible farmer, subject to verification of revenue records, so that assistance reaches genuine small and marginal growers.