Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, while presiding over a meeting with stakeholders to review preparations for the upcoming apple season, said that the estimated calculation of apple boxes will not be released this year. He noted that such estimates adversely impact market dynamics and often lead to financial losses for orchardists.
The Minister announced that starting next year, the estimation of apple boxes would be conducted using a scientific methodology to ensure accuracy and safeguard the interests of horticulturists.
The detailed discussions was held on various challenges faced during the apple season, and potential solutions were deliberated at length during the meeting. It was decided to constitute two sub-committees. One will focus on the strict implementation of the APMC Act, 2005, while the second will look into the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), enhancement of productivity, development of nurseries, promotion of advanced research, and resolution of stakeholder concerns.
A consensus was reached on encouraging the establishment of small Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores at the village level instead of constructing large storage facilities. These decentralized units are expected to not only improve storage capabilities but also create local employment opportunities. The installation of automatic grading and sorting machines will help improve the global competitiveness of Himachal apples.
The Minister also directed officials to ensure that apple traders prominently display their licenses outside market yards. Strict action, including challans, will be taken against violators. He further ordered that apples be weighed only in standard universal cartons. If any carton exceeds the 22 kg limit, the produce will be confiscated, and appropriate penalties imposed.
He also suggested the formation of cooperative societies by apple growers on the lines of European models to strengthen collective bargaining and market presence. To ensure smooth transportation during the peak season, the Minister emphasized the need to devise an efficient police Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for traffic management.
Representatives of horticulture organizations raised concerns over reduced import duties on apples, stating it would negatively impact domestic growers. They urged the state government to take up the issue with the Centre.
Minister Jagat Singh Negi assured stakeholders of all possible support from the state government.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Anuradha Rana, and Mohan Lal Brakta, Chairman of APMC Shimla-Kinnaur Devanand Verma, Secretary Horticulture C. Palrasu, Director Horticulture Vinay Singh, Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma, Managing Director of the State Agricultural Marketing Board Hemis Negi, Joint Farmers Forum Convenor Harish Chauhan and Co-convenor Sanjay Chauhan, President of Apple Producers Association and former MLA Rakesh Singha, President of Stone Fruit Association Deepak Singha along-with representatives from the Arhtiya Association, farmer groups, and various departmental officers.