Himachal Pradesh government has made the payment to apple growers through DBT under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Rs 45 crore has been released. A new website and mobile app has also been launched for transparency and convenience in the procurement process.
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [भारत]July 17 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said the state government has paid the farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for the apples procured during the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).
Chairing a meeting of the Horticulture Department in Shimla, the Chief Minister said that under MIS, payments have already been made to gardeners supplying apples up to 30 boxes, and now the process is underway to release payments to gardeners supplying 100 boxes or more. He informed that the state government has released Rs 45 crore to settle the pending liabilities.
Horticulture Market Intervention Scheme website and mobile app launched
Reviewing the preparations for apple procurement under MIS during the current season, the Chief Minister launched the website and mobile application of the Horticulture Market Intervention Scheme, according to an official release.
The release said this digital platform will facilitate end-to-end recording of the entire procurement process from apple procurement to processing, thereby ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
Gardeners will get these facilities
Apple growers will have to register on the portal by providing details like Aadhaar number, land records and bank account information. Apple growers will also get the facility to book time slots to sell their produce, which will reduce waiting time and increase convenience. Gardeners will receive SMS notifications on their mobile phones regarding procurement and payment status, ensuring complete transparency.
CM’s instructions to officials
The Chief Minister directed that dedicated staff should be deployed at the collection centers to assist the gardeners during the procurement season. He said that if necessary, staff from other departments can also be deployed and directed the officials to complete all necessary preparations so that the gardeners do not face any inconvenience during the procurement season.
Sukhu said that the present state government is committed to protect the interests of the farming community and has launched various schemes for their upliftment. He said that Universal Carton System has been introduced for packing of apples, so that the orchardists can be protected from exploitation by middlemen.
On this occasion, Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HIMFED) Chairman Maheshwar Singh Chauhan, Horticulture Secretary C. Paulrasu, Director of Digital Technology and Governance Dr. Nipun Jindal, HPMC Managing Director DC Rana, Horticulture Director Satish Kumar and other senior officials of the department were also present. (ANI)
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