Growers unhappy with new apple packing policy

Shimla: Growers have expressed their resentment against the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to pack 24kg apples in a box for sale in the market, claiming that the move will cause losses to them. During the visit of horticulture minister Jagat Singh Negi to Parala mandi in Shimla district, apple growers staged a protest and sought withdrawal of the decision. Negi justified the move and claimed that it was in the interest of apple growers. He said that only after discussion with experts and farmers’ organisations, it was decided to sell apples on kilogram basis. “In order to compete on the global level, it is necessary to adopt world-class standards so that the apple of Himachal is not left behind,” he added. Meanwhile, Sanyukt Kisan Manch leaders, including convener Harish Chauhan and co-convener Sanjay Chauhan, in a statement issued on Monday said that the government was unnecessarily creating confusion by making such provisions. They said in 2013, the then Congress government had made a project to introduce universal cartons for packaging of apples and the responsibility was given to the Indian Institute of Packaging that made the 20kg carton according to international standards and clearly recommended the government to implement it. “But due to politics and pressure, no government implements it,” they said, adding that the government had also spent Rs 11 lakh on this project at that time. They also said that in some mandis, illegal cutting of 2kg per box by arhtiyas (commission agents) should be stopped immediately and the government should immediately take legal action.