Himachal releases ₹45 crore to clear apple growers’ dues, launches digital MIS platform

The Himachal Pradesh government has released ₹45 crore to clear pending payments owed to apple growers under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Friday. The move is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of horticulturists across the state who have been waiting for payments related to apple procurement over the past several years.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while chairing a meeting of the Horticulture Department in Shimla. During the meeting, he reviewed preparations for the upcoming apple procurement season and outlined several measures aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and convenience for apple growers.

Apple cultivation is one of the most important economic activities in Himachal Pradesh and serves as a major source of income for thousands of families, especially in the hill districts. Ensuring timely payments and a smooth procurement process remains a key concern for growers every season.

According to Sukhu, the state government has already cleared payments through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for produce procured under the Market Intervention Scheme during the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The Chief Minister said that growers who supplied up to 30 bags of apples under the scheme have already received their payments. At the same time, the process of releasing payments to farmers who supplied larger quantities, including 100 bags or more, is currently underway.

He noted that the release of ₹45 crore demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting apple growers and resolving pending financial liabilities.

The announcement comes as the state prepares for another apple season, with authorities focusing on ensuring smoother procurement and better services for farmers.

Digital system to improve transparency

Along with the payment announcement, Chief Minister Sukhu also launched a new Horticulture Market Intervention Scheme website and mobile application designed to modernise the procurement process.

The digital platform aims to provide a complete end-to-end system for managing apple procurement, from the time apples are purchased from growers until they are processed.

According to officials, the online system will improve transparency and reduce delays by digitally recording every stage of the procurement process.

Under the new arrangement, apple growers will be required to register themselves on the portal. During registration, they will provide details such as their Aadhaar number, land ownership records and bank account information.

ALSO READ: Iran claims it destroyed US aircraft in Jordan after deadly American strikes in Iran

ALSO READ: Trump imposes 25% tariff on some Brazilian imports after trade investigation

Once registered, growers will be able to access various services through the platform.

One of the key features of the system is the ability to book time slots for selling apples at collection centres. This is expected to reduce long waiting periods and make the procurement process more organised and convenient for farmers.

The digital platform will also keep growers informed throughout the process.

Farmers will receive SMS notifications directly on their mobile phones regarding procurement updates and payment status. This feature is intended to ensure complete transparency and allow growers to track their transactions without needing to repeatedly visit government offices or procurement centres.

Officials believe the introduction of technology will not only improve efficiency but also strengthen trust between growers and the procurement agencies involved in the scheme.

The Chief Minister said that modernising the procurement process is necessary to meet the evolving needs of the horticulture sector and provide better services to apple farmers.

He also instructed officials to ensure that adequate staff are deployed at collection centres during the procurement season.

According to Sukhu, dedicated personnel should be available to assist growers, answer their queries and help them complete necessary procedures smoothly.

The state government hopes that these measures will make the procurement process more farmer-friendly and reduce operational challenges during the busy apple harvesting season.

Focus on education and global exposure

Apart from horticulture-related matters, Chief Minister Sukhu also interacted with students from Himachal Pradesh who are currently participating in an educational exposure visit to Kazakhstan.

The interaction took place over the phone on Friday evening.

The students belong to various Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state and are visiting Kazakhstan as part of a programme designed to provide international exposure and learning opportunities.

Speaking with the students, Sukhu said the initiative represents an important step in expanding educational experiences for young people in Himachal Pradesh.

According to him, this is the first time that trainees from technical institutions in the state have been sent on an overseas exposure visit.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the experience would help students gain valuable knowledge, understand international work environments and develop skills that could benefit them in their future careers.

He noted that the state government has already organised similar educational tours for meritorious students and teachers from government schools.

Such programmes, he said, have provided participants with opportunities to broaden their perspectives and learn from different educational and professional systems.

Sukhu assured that the government intends to continue supporting such initiatives in the future.

He further revealed that the state is considering similar international exposure visits for doctors and medical students.

According to the Chief Minister, allowing healthcare professionals and medical trainees to gain international experience could help them learn advanced medical practices and modern healthcare techniques.

This, in turn, could contribute to improving healthcare services within Himachal Pradesh.

The government believes that exposure to global standards and best practices can play a significant role in enhancing professional skills across different sectors.

Whether in agriculture, technical education or healthcare, the focus remains on equipping people with better knowledge and opportunities.

The Chief Minister said such initiatives are part of a broader vision aimed at strengthening human resources and creating new avenues for growth and development in the state.

The dual focus on supporting apple growers and investing in education reflects the government's efforts to address both immediate economic concerns and long-term development goals.

For apple farmers, the release of pending dues and the introduction of a digital procurement system are expected to bring greater financial security and operational convenience.

For students and future professionals, international exposure programmes offer opportunities to learn from global experiences and contribute more effectively to their fields.

As Himachal Pradesh prepares for the upcoming apple season and continues investing in skill development, the government hopes these initiatives will contribute to stronger rural livelihoods, improved services and sustainable growth across the state.