Himachal Govt Announces MSP Support for Mangoes, Citrus Fruits and C-Grade Apples
In a significant boost for fruit growers across Himachal Pradesh, the state government has approved the implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for 2026, ensuring assured prices and market support for processing-grade mangoes, citrus fruits and c-grade apples.
The scheme, aimed at protecting farmers from market fluctuations and distress sales, will be implemented through the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC). The government may also involve HIMFED in apple procurement, if required.
Under the approved rates, farmers will receive Rs 12 per kilogram for processing-grade seedling, grafted and unripe Achari varieties of mangoes. Procurement will begin on July 15, 2026, and continue till August 31, 2026. To make collection and transportation more efficient, mangoes will be handled in recyclable plastic crates, while farmers can bring their produce in any suitable packaging, which will be returned after unloading. The government plans to open 42 fruit collection centres across the state for the purpose.
The scheme also covers major citrus fruits. Kinnow, Malta and Sangtra will be procured at Rs 12 per kg, while Galgal will fetch Rs 10 per kg. Procurement of citrus fruits is scheduled from November 21, 2026, to February 15, 2027. Special arrangements have been made for handling different fruits, with recyclable crates and gunny bags to be used for transportation and storage.
Apple growers, a key pillar of Himachal’s horticulture economy, are set to benefit significantly. The government has approved the procurement of up to 1.50 lakh metric tonnes of c-grade apples at a support price of Rs 12 per kg. Procurement will take place between August 1 and October 31, 2026.
However, quality standards will be strictly enforced. Only apples with a diameter of more than 51 mm and meeting the prescribed quality norms will be accepted. Rotten, insect-infested, diseased, shrivelled, bird-damaged, windfallen or ethephon-treated fruits will not qualify under the scheme.
The Horticulture Department has clarified that only registered farmers will be eligible to sell their produce under the MIS. Registration on the HPMC MIS Portal is mandatory, and growers have been advised to complete the process well before the procurement season begins. As per the guidelines, farmers will also need to provide an additional 2.5 percent fruit by weight to account for handling and storage losses.
Appealing to growers to take full advantage of the initiative, the department urged farmers to contact their nearest horticulture office or procurement centre for registration and further details.
The scheme is expected to provide much-needed financial security to thousands of fruit growers in the state, while ensuring a reliable market for produce that often struggles to fetch fair prices in the open market.
