CA storage capacity of HPMC doubled in two years: CM

SHIMLA-17^th December, 2024-The present State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has successfully doubled the Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity of HPMC (Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation) during the last two years. The total CA storage capacity has been increased from 3380 MT before 2023 to 8260 MT across 7 CA stores in the State.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said with this initiative thousands of families associated with the horticulture sector were getting benefitted and now they were getting better prices for their produce during the off-season. This shows the commitment of the present State Government towards ensuring the welfare of horticulturists and farmers in the State, said the Chief Minister.

He said that HPMC has expanded its infrastructure to support agricultural produce. The capacity of the Gumma CA store has been increased from 640 MT to 2017 MT, while the Jarol-Tikker CA store now holds 2062 MT, up from 640 MT. Similarly, the Rohru CA store capacity has been enhanced from 700 MT to 2031 MT. Apart from this, new CA stores have been established at Reckong Peo with a capacity of 250 MT and Chachyot with 500 MT to facilitate the farmers.

To further support horticulturists and farmers the government has also reduced CA booking rates from Rs. 2 per kg per month to Rs. 1.60 per kg per month, which was providing significant financial relief to the farming community, said the Chief Minister.

Sh. Sukhu said that our Government has taken several measures over the past two years to ensure the well-being of farmers. We have introduced the universal carton and increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of apples from Rs. 10 to Rs. 12 per kg being procured under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Additionally, we have reinstated the subsidy on pesticides which was discontinued during the previous BJP regime, besides clearing Rs. 150 crore of pending payments to apple growers under the MIS.

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Govt. calendar for 2025to be available from 26^th December, 2024

SHIMLA -17^th December, 2024-A spokesperson of the State Government today informed that the official Calendar for the year 2025 would be made available to the general public from 26^th December, 2024. The calendar has been priced at Rs. 20 for direct purchase by individuals.

Additionally, to facilitate wider availability, authorised agents and all district Red Cross Societies can procure the calendar from the Printing and Stationery Department at a rate of Rs. 20 per copy and are permitted to sell it to the public at Rs. 22 per copy.

He further said that this arrangement has been made to ensure that the calendars are easily accessible across the state.

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A delegation of Pong Dam oustees called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Dharamshala today to place their various demands. The Chief Minister assured them that the state government would consider their concerns sympathetically.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu being accorded a rousing welcome on his arrival at Dharamshala, district Kangra on 17th December 2024 by people. He will attend the winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha being held from 18th December, 2024.

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Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Dr Pawnesh Kumar called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Dharamshala today. It was a courtesy call.

Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Kishori Lal, Sanjay Awasthy and Malender Rajan were also present on the occasion.

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SHIMLA -17^th December, 2024

CM asks opposition to take part in discussions in the House and avoid walkouts

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who reached Dharamshala for the winter session of Vidhan Sabha today, was accorded a warm welcome by the people.

While speaking to media persons at Dharamshala, the Chief Minister said that the government was prepared for the winter session and asked the opposition to raise issues of public concern for the benefit the people of the state. He added that instead of creating ruckus and staging walk-outs, the opposition must perform its duties inside the house by taking part in meaningful discussions.

Sh. Sukhu said that it has been observed that during the last few sessions of the Vidhan Sabha, the opposition raises its matter in the House and stages walkout at the time of reply by the minister. He asked the opposition to responsibly adhere to the constitutional norms and duties inside the House. He further stated that the opposition is divided on several issues and lacks coordination.

While replying to a media query, the Chief Minister stated that some MLAs of the BJP were plotting against Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and as a result he was not present in the all-party meeting today. He said that it was a norm that Vidhan Sabha Chairman calls a meeting of representatives of all the parties before the session commences. If Jai Ram Thakur could not make it due to some reason, he should have sent party representative to the meeting, but this time it did not happen which was against the norms.