The introduction of universal cartons in Himachal Pradesh this year, aimed at preventing cheating of orchardists by traders, appears to have fallen short of its intended purpose.
The cartons, mandated to hold 20 kg of apples and other fruits, are instead accommodating up to 25 kg, raising concerns among the gardening community.
A prominent orchardist recently provided “evidence” of this discrepancy. After packing pears into one of these universal cartons, the total weight measured was 25.665 kg. This situation has sparked a debate as orchardists would be compensated for only 20 kg despite the actual weight exceeding this limit.
“Even if the argument is that pears are particularly heavy, it does not justify the continued shortchanging of gardeners,” said the orchardist. “Why are we only being paid for 20 kg when the actual weight is over 25 kg? This practice amounts to cheating.”
While the universal carton was introduced by the Himachal Pradesh government with the noble intent of ensuring fair trade, it seems the implementation is flawed. The current situation benefits intermediaries at the expense of orchardists, who continue to bear the brunt of these discrepancies.
“We are not against the universal carton in principle,” the orchardist emphasised. “But it is critical to question whether it is serving its intended purpose or merely filling someone else’s pockets. In every scenario, the gardener suffers.”
