Himachal Pradesh

On April 15, 1948, thirty princely states in the region unified to create Himachal Pradesh. After the reorganization of Punjab on November 1, 1966, several areas from Punjab were incorporated into Himachal Pradesh. The state achieved full statehood on January 25, 1971. It borders Jammu & Kashmir to the north, Punjab to the west and southwest, Haryana to the south and Uttarakhand to the southeast.

Himachal Pradesh has a total area of 55,673 square km and has a population of 68.65 lakhs (2011 Census). About 70% of population of Himachal Pradesh is dependent on agriculture and allied sectors for their livelihood. Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for the people of Himachal Pradesh. The state is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and is famously called the "Apple State" of India. Apples, peaches, plums, pears, and citrus high-value horticultural commodities in the state.

Himachal Pradesh signed the Letter of Undertaking (LoU) with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India on 14th September 2022. It submitted its Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) on 19th December 2023 and RPC approved projects worth Rs. 109.34 Cr.

The key projects approved are as follows:

• Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurial Potential through Incubators.
• Improving MSMEs Access to Markets in the State: Market Link - Building Stronger MSME Partnerships/Export Connect - Empowering Businesses for Global Success/Recasting State Procurement Policy/Development of Brand Himachal Portal.
• Enhancing TReDS Penetration in the State: Adoption of Amplification Drive
• Champion MSMEs in greening and digital transformation: Green growth in MSMEs in the State.
• SMART MSMEs- Navigating Success through SMART MSME Development:
• Rural Industrialization in the State
• Institutional Strengthening: Empowering Himachal Pradesh MSMEs through Institutional Revamping and Strengthening