Shimla, Mar 31 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh government is set to sign an MoU with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for the sale of locally produced fresh vegetables, dairy items, meat, and other agricultural products to the central armed police force.

The initiative aims to provide farmers with a reliable market within their own villages, thereby enhancing income opportunities and reducing dependency on intermediaries.

Under this arrangement, ITBP will directly source produce from farmers, cooperative societies and local producers, a statement issued here said on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a meeting with senior ITBP officials, including Northern Frontier Commander IG Manu Maharaj and Sector Commander DIG Pawan Kumar Negi, on Monday to discuss the modalities of the proposed collaboration.

The move is expected to generate employment for farmers, horticulturists and rural communities residing in border areas and will also enhance farmers’ income by minimising reliance on intermediaries, said the statement.

Emphasising that the initiative would also strengthen the economy of border villages besides creating self-employment opportunities, Sukhu said the arrangement would also benefit ITBP, as they would gain assured access to fresh and locally sourced produce.

Additionally, the move is expected to support infrastructure development and enhance overall border management.

IG Manu Maharaj informed that a similar model has already been successfully implemented in Uttarakhand, delivering encouraging outcomes.

The meeting also included discussions on the electrification of Border Out Posts (BOPs) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at improving essential infrastructure in these remote areas. PTI BPL AMJ AMJ