HPMC to Boost Development of Properties in Metro Cities through PPP Model

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Strategic Move to Enhance Infrastructure and Tap Agriculture Tourism Potential

HPMC

"HPMC holds long-term leases for cold stores and land in major metropolitan cities."

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In a significant step towards expanding its reach and enhancing its operations, the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) has announced plans to develop its properties in key metropolitan cities—Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai—on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. These properties, which include cold stores and land leased for the long term, are set to be transformed into hubs for horticulture and agriculture-based ventures.

Maximizing the Value of Existing Assets

The decision to develop HPMC’s properties in these major cities was taken during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the government undertaking, held in Shimla under the leadership of Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Minister Negi highlighted that the corporation’s efforts to develop land in Kolkata are already in the advanced stages, marking a significant phase in HPMC’s expansion across the country.

With a focus on modernizing infrastructure and boosting agricultural processing, HPMC aims to fully utilize its resources in these metropolitan areas. The initiative is expected to enhance the corporation’s market presence and create opportunities for local and national growth.

Plans to Enhance Operations in Existing Facilities

The AGM also saw discussions around maximizing the potential of HPMC’s existing assets. A key focus will be the full utilization of its seven Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores and 10 Grading and Packing (GP) lines, which are vital for maintaining the quality of horticultural produce. Additionally, there is a strategic move to explore the development of agricultural and horticultural tourism at its Rajgarh and Patlikuhl properties, tapping into the growing tourism market while promoting Himachal’s agricultural heritage.

Diversifying into Value-Added Products

HPMC is also diversifying its portfolio to include value-added products. Minister Negi shared exciting developments from the corporation’s fruit processing plants in Shimla and Mandi, where HPMC is preparing to launch apple wine and Ready to Serve (RTS) apple juice. These initiatives mark a significant expansion into the processed food sector, offering a new revenue stream while promoting the region’s agricultural produce.

The newly commissioned fruit processing plant at Parala in Shimla and the facility at Jarol in Sundernagar, Mandi, are central to these plans. The production of apple juice concentrate (AJC) from HPMC’s operations is expected to scale up significantly, contributing to the brand’s growing presence in the fruit processing market.

Record Profits and Optimizing Apple Procurement

One of the most promising outcomes of HPMC’s efforts this season is its expected record profits, which Minister Negi attributes to the efficient management information system (MIS) operations across its 200 apple collection centres. This year alone, HPMC procured approximately 25,000 metric tonnes of apples through its online portal, leading to the production of around 2,000 metric tonnes (20 lakh litres) of apple juice concentrate. This efficient procurement system has significantly boosted HPMC’s output and profitability.

Additionally, the AGM decided to propose a rationalization of the number of apple collection centres to streamline operations and focus efforts on MIS procurement, consolidating these operations under the full control of HPMC to ensure better efficiency.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth and Innovation

HPMC’s recent decisions reflect a forward-thinking approach that integrates modern infrastructure development, product diversification, and efficient operations. By leveraging its assets in major metropolitan cities and focusing on value-added products and innovative agricultural tourism, HPMC is positioning itself as a leading player in India’s horticulture and food processing sectors.

As the corporation continues to modernize and expand its reach, the agricultural landscape of Himachal Pradesh is set to benefit significantly, with more opportunities for farmers, businesses, and the state economy. Through strategic partnerships, better use of technology, and a focus on high-quality products, HPMC’s future looks poised for greater success.

Kumud Sharma

https://diarytimes.com/

Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.

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