Explore possibility of DBT under MIS for apple growers: CM to officials

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the horticulture department to explore the possibility of implementing direct benefit transfer (DBT) for payments made under the market intervention scheme (MIS).Chairing a departmental meeting, Sukhu said the proposed system would replace the existing non-cash payment mechanism and ensure faster and more transparent transfer of benefits to horticulturists.Sukhu stressed that timely payment through DBT would particularly benefit small and marginal apple growers and help strengthen their economic condition. He also instructed officials to assess the estimated apple production for the ongoing season and make advance arrangements to support orchardists during procurement.Officials informed the meeting that around 132 collection centres would likely be set up this year for apple procurement under the MIS. Sukhu directed the department to ensure hassle-free arrangements and establish enough centres for the smooth procurement of culled apples.Emphasising efficient management of horticulture produce, the CM asked the department to improve marketing of apple juice concentrate and other products of the horticultural produce marketing and processing corporation to enhance profitability.He also directed officials to increase auction centres for quicker sale of produce and digitise the entire procurement process to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the system.MSID:: 131328505 413 |