HPMC’s 217th Board Meeting: Major Strategic Decisions to Boost Growth and Sustainability
Board of Directors meeting chaired by Minister Jagat Singh Negi
Shimla, April 2: The 217th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh Marketing and Cooperative (HPMC) was held today in Shimla under the leadership of HPMC Chairman and Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development, and Public Grievance Redressal Minister, Jagat Singh Negi. This pivotal meeting marked significant strategic decisions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and market expansion.
New Leadership, Fresh Vision
The meeting saw the first appearance of newly appointed non-official directors—Joginder Guleria, Rajesh Sharma, Rajesh Thakur, and Virendra Singh Jaswal—who were warmly welcomed by the board. The directors were briefed on HPMC’s current activities, future goals, and the roadmap for growth.
Chairman Jagat Singh Negi emphasized the role of strong leadership in steering HPMC toward greater achievements. “Our focus remains on strengthening the horticulture sector, ensuring profitability, and enhancing market access for farmers,” he remarked.
Financial Growth on the Horizon
Managing Director Sudesh Kumar Mokhta shared an optimistic outlook on HPMC’s financial health, stating that the organization is on a growth trajectory with an anticipated profit of around Rs 5 crore in the 2024-25 financial year. This optimistic projection reflects the impact of strategic initiatives and efficient management practices implemented over the past year.
Strategic Asset Development: PPP Model in Focus
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the decision to develop HPMC’s assets in major cities—Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Patlikuhal, and Rajgarh—under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This move aims to maximize revenue generation from these properties, leveraging private sector efficiencies while ensuring public interest.
The feasibility of these projects will be evaluated through a government consultancy agency, ensuring robust analysis and transparency. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of diversifying HPMC’s revenue streams and enhancing the value of its real estate assets.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
The Board approved the leasing of HPMC’s controlled environment stores and grading and packing lines across key locations, including Gumma, Rohru, Chachiot, Reckongpeo, Patlikuhal, Oddi, Jarol Tikkar, Bhuntar, Tattapani, and Jiabong. This strategic decision will be executed through a competitive tender process to optimize operational efficiency and profitability.
Product Innovations and Market Expansion
HPMC continues to innovate with new product launches aimed at increasing market share and catering to evolving consumer preferences:
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Ready-to-Drink Apple Juice: Available in 250 ml, 500 ml, and 1-liter packs, this new product is sugar-free, promoting health-conscious consumption. The initiative also supports the purchase of apples directly from farmers under the Mandi Mediation Scheme.
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Apple Juice Concentrate and Apple Cider Vinegar: The board highlighted the record production of 2,000 metric tonnes of apple juice concentrate in 2024, with strong sales through Amazon Marketplace.
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Online Sales Expansion: In response to growing e-commerce trends, HPMC will now offer its jams, squashes, and pickles on Amazon and other online platforms, broadening its consumer reach.
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New Beverage Launches: The introduction of Him Tarang drinking water has been well-received, and plans are underway to launch alcoholic beverages, including schnapps and cider, tapping into the premium segment.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
A key highlight was the approval of an agreement with M/s Geotropy India to set up a geothermal energy-based cold storage facility at Tapri in Kinnaur district. This project underscores HPMC’s commitment to sustainability, reducing energy costs, and supporting cold chain infrastructure for horticultural produce.
Strengthening the Mandi Mediation Scheme
The Board reaffirmed that HPMC will remain the sole authorized agency for apple purchases under the Mandi Mediation Scheme. To ensure the highest quality, the use of crates for apple transportation at the Parala plant was also approved.
Horticulture Development Initiatives
Under the World Bank-funded Horticulture Development Project, 13 controlled atmosphere stores have been successfully established across various locations, including Rohru, Gumma, Jarol Tikkar, Chachiot, Tattapani, Reckongpeo, Jiabong, Bhuntar, Patlikuhal, and Oddi. Additionally, grading lines and a fruit processing unit at Parala have been completed, enhancing the state’s post-harvest infrastructure.
Commitment to Growth and Sustainability
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to further strengthening HPMC’s operational efficiency and financial sustainability. The presence of key officials, including Secretary Horticulture C. Palarasu, Special Secretary Finance Rohit Jamwal, and Agro Industry Corporation Managing Director Reema Kashyap, highlighted the collaborative efforts to drive HPMC’s vision forward.
In conclusion, the 217th meeting of the HPMC Board of Directors marks a transformative phase for the organization, with strategic decisions set to enhance revenue, support farmers, and position HPMC as a leader in the horticulture and agribusiness sectors.
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