The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Himachal Pradesh government to procure locally produced agricultural goods directly from farmers and rural producers. Under this initiative, ITBP will purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, paneer, meat, trout fish, and other agricultural products grown in border areas.
The new arrangement aims to provide farmers with a direct market within their own villages, helping increase their income while reducing dependence on middlemen. The initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities for farmers, horticulturists, and rural communities living in border regions, promoting inclusive and sustainable regional development.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held detailed discussions late Monday evening with senior ITBP officials, including Northern Frontier Commander IG Manu Maharaj and Sector Commander DIG Pawan Kumar Negi, regarding the implementation of the initiative.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that the move would create self-employment opportunities for local residents and strengthen their economic condition. He emphasized that the state government is continuously working to empower the rural economy and that the initiative will particularly benefit farmers living in border areas.
The agreement will also ensure a steady supply of fresh, high-quality local produce to ITBP personnel while providing farmers and rural communities with a stable and reliable market within their regions.
Sukhu added that the initiative would not only promote local products but also strengthen economic activities in border areas and create sustainable employment opportunities. Additionally, the step is expected to support infrastructure development and improve border management systems.
IG Manu Maharaj noted that a similar initiative has already been successfully implemented in Uttarakhand and expressed confidence that residents of Himachal Pradesh’s border villages would also benefit significantly.
The meeting also included discussions on electrification of Border Out Posts (BOPs) in border villages under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
