The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi has said that apples would continue to be sold on kg basis, though the government, if required, would do away with the ‘24 kg per box’ ceiling.
During a visit to Parala apple market near Theog in Shimla, the minister tried to address concerns and confusion among apple growers regarding the selling of apples by weight. This year, for the first time in the state, apples are being sold on the basis of weight rather than boxes. However, the government had imposed a ceiling of 24 kg per box, which has raised concerns among the growers.
Negi stated that the government’s decision to sell apples by weight was made on the last day of the budget session. He emphasised that apples would be sold in mandis based on weight, regardless of the packaging size brought by the growers, be it 5 kg or 24 kg.
The minister also mentioned that the ceiling of 24 kg was implemented in public interest, but the government was open to amending the decision after discussions with officials.
Regarding the availability of universal cartons, Negi explained that the flexible use of universal cartons was implemented to ensure that growers did not face losses due to excess packaging materials. He also inspected the under-construction processing unit and the newly constructed market yard at the Parala mandi. He also assessed the progress of road widening to the mandi.
