HPMC receives funds from APEDA for upgrading packing houses

Shimla: HPMC has received the 100% grant in aid for upgradation of packing and grading houses from Agriculture Produce Export Development Authority (APEDA).

A spokesman of HPMC said that in the first phase Rs. 311 lakh has been received for upgradation of packing and grading houses at Jarol, Tikkar, Guma-Kotkhai, Rekong Peo and  fruit and vegetable packing house at Nadaun. He further said that the process for finalizing the tenders for the purchase of latest technology was at the advanced stage and will be made operational before the next apple season.

He said that in second phase the facilities at Oddi-Kumarsain and Patlikuhl would be upgraded. He said that this would provide modern packing facilities to the farmers of the state solving their labour problem and achieving international grade standards.

The spokesman further informed that under the MOU signed by HPMC with Patanjali Ayurveda Limited Hardwar for supply of apple juice concentrate, HPMC has so far supplied 98 MT of concentrate valuing Rs. 73.50 lakh.

He also informed that HPMC was providing packing material to the fruit growers at most competitive prices through its sales network at Rs. 36.50 to Rs. 38.50 per carton.

Funding from APEDA has come as a major relief for the fund starved HPMC as the packing and grading houses are in a deplorable condition across the state which are still using ancient technology.

It was majorly of the efforts of Prakash Thakur, a progressive farmer from Shimla district becoming member of APEDA that funding could be ensured for the government undertaking.