Get ready for apple season: Minister

Shimla: Horticulture minister Jagat Singh Negi directed the agriculture, public works, horticulture and police departments to take necessary measures, including repairing roads, providing electricity and other facilities, while reviewing the preparations for the upcoming apple season, during a meeting here on Wednesday.
Emphasising traffic control, he said all roads used during the apple season should be repaired and smooth movement of vehicles should be ensured in the apple markets.He said parking, drinking water, sanitation, electricity and other facilities will be provided in different apple markets of the state to benefit orchardists, commissioned agents and other stakeholders.
Necessary directions were issued to the concerned deputy commissioners for setting up a control room at the district-level and its proper management. He also laid emphasis on the necessity of GPS in outside vehicles to ensure timely action in cases of theft, etc. Traffic and law and order will also be monitored with the help of CCTV cameras and automatic speedometers at various places, he said, adding that the police department has been directed to deploy necessary force.
Negi also gave directions for the arrangements and timely supply of packaging material and to organise the movement of vehicles after the auction of fruits as per the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act 2005. Further, directions were also issued for the registration of fruit traders and issuing licenses and identity cards to them timely. tnn