The state government has granted a license to the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to set up a winery at Parala de Theog.

Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “HPMC will establish a winery at Parala, located in Theog district of Shimla. The cellar, to be built with an estimated cost of ₹86 crore, is expected to boost the horticulture sector in the state while opening up new employment opportunities for local residents.

He said the initiative would significantly benefit the fruit growers of Himachal Pradesh by providing them better and more remunerative prices for their produce, especially apples, peaches and plums. “The Parala winery represents a major advancement in value addition of horticultural produce, ensuring not only economic empowerment of growers but also enhancing the reputation of the state as a hub for quality fruit produce,” said Sukhu.

He further added that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening the horticulture and agriculture sectors by promoting modern infrastructure and innovative solutions. In addition to increasing income, the winery was expected to create numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities in production, processing, marketing and allied industries. “The state government remains focused on initiatives that improve the income of farmers and horticulturists, thereby enabling sustainable growth and development in the rural areas of the state,” he added.

Sukhu said, “The state was also known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of the Country’ and the government was actively promoting the establishment of processing units taking advantage of the abundant availability of raw materials within the state .