HPMC to establish a winery in Shimla district: Himachal CM
H
imachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Thursday said the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corp (HPMC) would establish a winery at Parala in Shimla district.
The winery, to be built with an estimated cost of Rs 86 crore, is expected to boost the horticulture sector while opening up new employment opportunities for local residents. The Chief Minister said the government has granted a license to the HPMC to proceed with the establishment of the winery. This initiative would significantly benefit the fruit growers of Himachal Pradesh by providing them with better and more remunerative prices for their produce, particularly apples, peaches, and plums.
“The winery at Parala represents a major step forward in value addition to horticultural produce, ensuring not only economic empowerment of the growers but also enhancing the state's reputation as a hub for quality fruit-based products,” said Sukhu. He noted that the project aligns with the government's commitment to strengthen the horticulture and agriculture sectors by promoting modern infrastructure and innovative solutions.
Apart from boosting revenue, the winery is expected to create numerous direct and indirect job opportunities in production, processing, marketing, and allied industries. “The state government remains focused on initiatives that enhance the income of farmers and horticulturists, enabling sustainable growth and development in rural areas of the state,” he added.
Sukhu emphasized that the government has launched various initiatives to strengthen the rural economy, particularly in the agriculture and horticulture sectors, which form the backbone of the livelihood for a majority of the state’s population. He mentioned that the state is known as the fruit bowl of the country and that the government has been actively promoting the establishment of processing units by leveraging the abundant availability of raw materials within the state.
To address the needs of apple growers, the government introduced the universal carton, fulfilling a long-standing demand of horticulturists. Additionally, Rs 163 crore has been disbursed under the market intervention scheme (MIS), clearing pending dues, most of which were inherited from the previous BJP government.
✔️ HPMC to establish a winery in Shimla district: Himachal CM
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