Explore possibilities of DBT under MIS : Sukhu

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a meeting of the Horticulture Department here Monday evening, has directed to explore the possibilities of monetary disbursals through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the procurement made under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). This would replace the existing payment system where benefits are transferred through non cash payments to the horticulturalists.

He asked the officers to ensure timely disbursal of the amount through DBT and said that the step would strengthen the small and marginalized apple growers and improve their economic conditions.

The Chief Minister instructed the department to assess the estimate of apple crop production for the ongoing season and initiate advance preparations to facilitate the horticulturists. The department informed that this year approximately 132 collection centres would be established for the procurement of apples through MIS. The Chief Minister directed the department to make hassle-free arrangements and adequate number of collection centres for the horticulturists to procure culled apples.

Sh. Sukhu also emphasised the need of efficient management of the produce and directed to market the apple juice concentrate and other products of the Horticultural Produce Marketing Committee effectively to make it profitable to the institution. He also directed to increase the number of auction centres for expeditious sale of produce.

He directed to digitize the entire procurement process to ensure greater transparency in the system. He said that the state government was committed to safeguarding the interests of the apple growers and has introduced various initiatives during the last three and half years to ensure the welfare of the farming community.

Vice Chairman HPMC Surender Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretary Horticulture C. Paulrasu, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director Digital Technology and Governance Dr. Nipun Jindal, Managing Director HPMC D.C. Rana, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap, Director Horticulture Satish Kumar and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.