Wine factory opens at HPMC centre in Mandi district, to create jobs for locals

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today inaugurated a new wine factory at the fruit processing centre of the HP Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) constructed at a cost of Rs 7.51 crore at Jadol in Mandi district. He emphasised the importance of public cooperation in making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.

Negi said that the existing HPMC unit at Jadol, which was established in 1970, was outdated and required improvement. He added that the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project, funded by the World Bank, had facilitated the establishment of several vegetable markets and cold storage facilities in the state.

He said that the HP Shiva Project, which was likely to see an investment of Rs 200 crore in Mandi district as part of a Rs 1,200 crore initiative, would be implemented to enhance horticulture development in seven districts. This project with 84 clusters planned on 1,100 hectares would provide free resources for irrigation, plantation and other agricultural activities.

Negi said that timely resolution of revenue cases would be ensured through monthly courts. He added that delay in resolving property disputes would invite action against officials, affecting their annual performance reviews and promotions.

He alleged that the Central Government had misled people about the achievements of the state government and did not support Himachal Pradesh adequately. He expressed disappointment over Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s alleged lack of commitment towards the state’s development.

District Congress Committee president and former minister Prakash Chaudhary said that the new wine factory would create jobs for the people of the region. Former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal Thakur suggested that a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) store be established at Jadol to support the local production of mangoes and lychees. He urged the government to set up a horticultural excellence research centre in the area.

HP HPMC Managing Director Sudesh Mokta and local Congress leaders attended the event.