Why in news:

• Giving a major boost to the food processing industry in the state, a state-of-the-art fruit processing plant has been inaugurated at Parala, in Theog tehsil of Shimla district.

Key Points:

• This ambitious project is funded by the World Bank under the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project.
• The total investment exceeds Rs 100 crore, underscoring the significant financial commitment to boost the horticulture sector.

Enhanced production capabilities

• The facility is poised to significantly enhance both the quality and quantity of various products including apple juice concentrate , ready-to-serve juice, jams, pectin, vinegar, and wine.
• The plant is operated by the Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation, reflecting their commitment to modernizing agricultural processing.

Economic benefits

• Reduction in transportation costs:
  • Positioned in the heart of the apple belt, the plant will locally consume a substantial volume of C-grade apples that were previously transported to distant processing centers like Parwanoo.
  • This localization will substantially reduce transportation costs, benefiting both growers and processors.

Future prospects

• The state government in this regard has emphasized that this plant represents a significant milestone in the region's development and the broader fruit industry.
• By producing a diverse range of products, the facility will ensure fair pricing for local growers, promoting economic stability and growth.

• The establishment of the plant is expected to create numerous local jobs, contributing to the economic upliftment of the region.
• By reducing the need for long-distance transportation, the plant also contributes to lowering the carbon footprint associated with apple processing.
• The introduction of advanced processing technologies provides an opportunity for local workers to acquire new skills, further enhancing their employment prospects and the region’s technological capabilities.