Major Agricultural Boost
A landmark agreement has been inked with the Himachal Pradesh government, paving the way for the establishment of two sophisticated food processing plants,
backed by an investment of approximately Rs 85 crore. This strategic undertaking encompasses the development of a dedicated potato processing unit and a comprehensive spice processing facility. The primary objectives of these projects are to significantly enhance the agricultural value chain, drastically reduce the considerable losses that occur after harvest, and crucially, improve the accessibility of markets for the region's farmers. By achieving these goals, the initiative is poised to deliver substantial support to the economic vitality of rural communities. This significant investment is a key component of the state government's overarching strategy to foster a specialized Food Park focused on potato and spice processing, as highlighted by C Paulrasu, the Agriculture Secretary for Himachal Pradesh. The formalization of these agreements took place in Shimla, with key stakeholders from the Department of Agriculture, the HP Agriculture Marketing Board, and HP CDPP-II (JICA-ODA) participating alongside representatives from APG Foods Division and ARFM Foods.
Facility Locations & Capacity
The strategic placement of these new processing facilities has been carefully considered to maximize impact across different districts. The spice processing unit is slated for development in the Hamirpur district, with essential primary processing operations to be situated in the Sirmaur district. Concurrently, the specialized potato processing facilities will be established at two distinct locations within the Una district: Dhandri Amb and Pekhubela Farm. These potato processing centers are engineered for substantial throughput, with a projected daily capacity to process between 10 to 20 metric tonnes of raw potatoes. This volume is expected to yield approximately 2.5 to 5 metric tonnes of value-added products, such as potato flakes and powder, transforming raw tubers into marketable goods. The financial allocation for these facilities is clearly defined, with a capital investment of Rs 65 crore dedicated to the potato processing infrastructure and an additional Rs 20 crore earmarked for the spice processing unit. The project timeline is ambitious, with construction aimed at completion and the commencement of production anticipated before the year 2027.
Advanced Technology & Impact
These cutting-edge food processing plants will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and fully automated systems, ensuring high operational efficiency and adherence to stringent quality control measures. The integration of modern technology is designed not only to meet rigorous regulatory compliance standards but also to guarantee complete product traceability, a critical factor for consumer confidence and international market acceptance. Furthermore, these facilities are committed to upholding the highest international food quality standards. The economic and social ripple effects of this investment are expected to be profound. The establishment of these processing units will generate significant employment opportunities within the region, providing much-needed jobs for the local population. Beyond direct employment, the company plans to implement integrated partnership programs designed to offer comprehensive support to farmers, thereby fostering a more sustainable and profitable agricultural ecosystem. It is important to note that this specific investment of Rs 85 crore is distinct and separate from a previously announced expansion plan by the company, which involved a Rs 250 crore investment in Himachal Pradesh.
