Himachal Pradesh CM Engages with Red Cross Volunteers on World Red Cross Day

Celebrating World Red Cross Day in Shimla

On the occasion of World Red Cross Day 2026, a group of children and Red Cross volunteers met with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Thursday. They presented him with a Red Cross sticker as part of the humanitarian celebration. During this event, the Chief Minister also contributed to the Red Cross fund and interacted with the children and volunteers present. Sukhu urged all sections of society to generously donate to the Red Cross fund, emphasizing that the resources collected play a crucial role in providing timely assistance to those in crisis and emergency situations. Dr. Kimi Sood, Secretary of the Hospital Welfare Section of the State Red Cross Society, was also in attendance.

Reviewing HPMC's Plans for Apple Procurement

In a separate development, the Chief Minister reviewed various schemes of the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) during a meeting held yesterday evening. He instructed the corporation to be prepared for apple procurement under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for the upcoming season. According to a statement released by the Chief Minister's office, he reiterated the state government's commitment to ensuring the welfare of apple producers, particularly small and marginal farmers, and directed HPMC to work towards maximizing their benefits. He also instructed officials to make all necessary arrangements before the procurement begins for the next season and to notify procurement centers well in advance for apple producers across the state.

Record Apple Procurement Achieved

The Chief Minister noted that HPMC achieved a record procurement of 98,540 metric tons of apples under the MIS in 2025, marking the highest in the state's history. He further explained that last year, HPMC was the sole agency responsible for apple procurement under the MIS, whereas previously, HIMFED was also involved in the process. However, the state government has fully entrusted this responsibility to HPMC since last year, and this arrangement will continue in the future.