Himachal’s border farmers to supply fresh produce to ITBP

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Shimla, March 31

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to enable the direct supply of locally produced vegetables, dairy products, meat and other agricultural goods to the central armed police force.

The state government said the move is aimed at creating a dependable market for farmers within their own villages, boosting rural incomes and reducing dependence on middlemen.

Under the proposed arrangement, the ITBP will directly procure produce from farmers, cooperative societies and local producers in the state, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held discussions with senior ITBP officials, including Northern Frontier Commander IG Manu Maharaj and Sector Commander DIG Pawan Kumar Negi, on Monday to finalise the framework of the collaboration.

The government said the initiative is expected to create new livelihood opportunities for farmers, horticulturists and rural communities living in border areas, while ensuring better returns for their produce through direct market access.

Sukhu said the proposed arrangement would not only strengthen the rural economy in border villages but also promote self-employment and improve economic activity in remote regions.

He added that the agreement would also benefit the ITBP by ensuring a steady supply of fresh, locally sourced agricultural products for personnel deployed in border areas.

The chief minister said the move could also contribute to infrastructure development and support broader border management efforts in the state’s remote frontier regions.

During the meeting, IG Manu Maharaj said a similar model had already been implemented successfully in Uttarakhand and had produced encouraging results.

The meeting also reviewed the electrification of Border Out Posts under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, with both sides discussing ways to improve essential infrastructure in remote border locations.