A Lifeline for Apple Growers: New HPMC Center Brings Hope and Relief to Jwalapur
In a move that has brought smiles to the faces of local farmers, a new apple procurement center has opened its doors in the Jwalapur area, offering a crucial marketing outlet for growers who have been struggling with transport disruptions.
The center, operated by the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC), started operations today and hit the ground running, purchasing approximately 150 boxes of apples from local orchardists on its very first day.
For farmers in and around Jwalapur, especially those from the remote panchayats of the Panarsa area, this center is more than just a facility—it’s a lifeline. Many had been anxiously watching their precious apple harvest remain stranded after recent road closures cut off their access to markets. The opening of this center means an estimated 90 to 100 farming families can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they can get their produce to market.
The story behind the center is one of swift government action. The decision was born from a meeting on September 18th, called by Deputy Director of Horticulture Dr. Sanjay Gupta in response to the growers’ plight. With the quick support and approval of Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, the HPMC swung into action to set up the temporary center in record time.
Dr. Gupta shared encouraging news for the district, noting that “97 percent of Mandi’s apple trade is already complete.” He emphasized that the administration’s goal is to ensure the remaining harvest is sold by the end of the coming week. This new center is a key part of that final push, a testament to what can be achieved when the Horticulture Department, the District Administration, and the HPMC work together with a common goal: supporting the farmers who form the backbone of the region’s economy.
