Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 20 (HBTV): Despite extensive road damage caused by torrential rains across Himachal Pradesh, a total of 1,73,74,204 apple boxes (20 kg each) reached markets between June 27 and September 15, according to a government release. This marks a significant increase from 1,23,18,924 boxes during the same period last year.
The release credited the rise in arrivals to the continuous supervision of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the efforts of the Public Works Department (PWD).
Through the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC), procurement has crossed 55,000 metric tonnes, more than double compared to last year. HPMC has set up 274 collection centres where apple procurement is actively underway.
Officials stated that damaged roads were either restored or temporarily reconnected in record time to ensure smooth transportation. Even during peak damage, government machinery worked round the clock to support apple growers.
From the Shimla and Kinnaur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), 1,09,86,863 boxes were sold against 77,40,164 last year. From Mandi APMC, 16,81,055 boxes were sold compared to 89,19,893 last year. Solan APMC recorded 24,90,835 boxes against 22,18,685, while Kullu APMC registered 20,88,374 boxes compared to 14,03,392 in 2024.
The government spokesperson said efforts are underway to ensure smooth marketing and transportation so that growers do not face inconvenience. Benefits under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) have also been extended to orchardists.
Although road blockages in several areas are still preventing trucks from reaching some centres, the Chief Minister has directed the deployment of additional vehicles to ensure timely lifting of produce. Meanwhile, HPMC’s fruit processing plants at Parala (Shimla), Parwanoo (Solan) and Jarol (Mandi) are running at full capacity, processing nearly 400 tonnes of apples daily.
CM Sukhu said, ‘The State Government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of apple growers and ensuring their well-being. We have introduced the Universal Carton to guarantee remunerative prices and to put an end to the exploitation of horticulturists.’
(ANI)