Shimla, June 20
Himachal Pradesh’s farmers and local producers are expected to gain access to wider domestic and international markets following the signing of two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) by the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumer Federation Limited (Himfed).
The agreements were signed by Himfed, the National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL), and the Indian Seed Cooperative Society, marking the launch of a cooperative initiative to improve the availability of quality seeds and promote the export of Himachal Pradesh’s products.
Himfed Chairman Maheshwar Singh said the agreements would open new opportunities for farmers by connecting their products with national and global markets. He added that improved availability of certified seeds would help increase agricultural productivity in the state.
“Through cooperation, Himachal Pradesh will move towards prosperity. The state’s quality products will now receive the right market, which will help increase farmers’ income,” Maheshwar Singh said.
He said products such as seabuckthorn, red rice, black cumin, Chamba Rumal, and bamboo-based handicrafts would receive better market opportunities and could be exported through the new initiative.
Maheshwar Singh stated that many high-quality Himachal products had not received the recognition and market value they deserved. He added that farmers would now get access to certified seeds and fertilisers through Himfed, reducing dependence on middlemen.
The initiative will initially involve more than 1,000 farmer producer organisations and societies across the state. The move is expected to strengthen cooperative farming, improve product marketing, and provide farmers with better prices for their produce.
