Shimla
A Spokesperson of the Horticulture Department here today informed that the state government has approved the implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for procurement of processing grade mangoes, citrus fruits and c-grade apples during 2026. The scheme aims to provide assured prices and market support to fruit growers in the state. The procurement would be carried out through the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC). For apple procurement, HIMFED may also be associated, if required.
He said that under the scheme, processing grade seedling, grafted and unripe Achari varieties of mangoes would be procured at the rate of Rs. 12 per kg from 15 July, 2026 to 31 August, 2026. Mangoes would be procured and handled in recyclable plastic crates of 20 kg capacity. Farmers may bring their produce in any suitable packaging material, which will be returned after unloading. Under this scheme 42 fruit collection centers would be opened in state.
Similarly, processing grade Kinnow, Malta and Sangtra would be procured at the rate of Rs. 12 per kg, while Galgal would be procured at Rs. 10 per kg. The procurement of citrus fruits would be undertaken from 21 November, 2026 to 15 February 2027. Kinnow, Malta and Sangtra would be procured in recyclable plastic crates of 15 kg capacity, while Galgal would be procured in 40 kg gunny bags. Farmers may bring the fruits in any suitable packaging material, which will be returned after unloading.
The Spokesperson further informed that under the Market Intervention Scheme, up to 1.50 lakh metric tonnes of c-grade apples would be procured at the rate of Rs. 12 per kg from 1 August, 2026 to 31 October, 2026. Apples would be procured in 35 kg gunny bags. However, wherever available, preference would be given to recyclable plastic crates of 16 kg capacity for handling and transportation. Farmers may bring their produce in any suitable packaging material, provided the fruits were not damaged during transportation. Only apples having a diameter of more than 51 mm and meeting the prescribed quality standards will be accepted. Fruits that are rotten, windfallen, bird-damaged, badly diseased, insect-infested, shrivelled or treated with ethephon will not be accepted under the scheme.
The spokesperson informed that only registered farmers would be eligible to sell their produce under the scheme. Registration on the HPMC MIS Portal is mandatory. Farmers should bring only fruits conforming to the prescribed quality standards to the notified procurement centres. As per the scheme guidelines, farmers will also be required to provide 2.5 percent extra fruit by weight to compensate for evaporation and respiration losses during procurement and handling.
The Spokesperson appealed to all eligible fruit growers to complete their registration well in time and take full advantage of the scheme. Farmers may contact their nearest Horticulture Office or the notified procurement centres for registration and further information.
