A Price Promise for Himachal’s Apple Growers: Adani Sets 2025 Rates
In a move that brings much-needed certainty to thousands of apple farmers, Adani AgriFresh Limited (AAFL) has stepped forward with its official procurement prices for the 2025 season in Himachal Pradesh. The announcement, made on Saturday, aims to cut through the confusion of fluctuating market prices, giving growers a clear benchmark as the harvest begins.
The company will start with trial runs at select centers on Sunday before launching full-scale procurement operations across the state starting Monday, August 25.
What Are the New Prices?
The rates are structured based on the size and color (quality) of the apples. For the top-tier, premium apples (80-100% color), the rates are:
· Large Medium (LMS): ₹85 per kg
· Extra Small (ES): ₹75 per kg
· Extra Extra Small (EES): ₹65 per kg
· Pittu (premium): ₹45 per kg
For the next quality grade, Supreme (60-80% color), prices see a significant step down:
· Prices range from ₹55 per kg for ES apples down to ₹35 per kg for Pittu.
The lowest rate, ₹24 per kg, is set for apples with less than 60% color and “Regular Orchard Leftover.” Undersized and extra-large apples will be bought for ₹20 per kg.
A Mixed Reaction from Growers
This corporate price signal arrives at a critical juncture. With the cost of production soaring and open market prices being unpredictable, many growers were anxiously awaiting this news.
The top rate of ₹85 per kg for premium LMS apples is being seen as a strong and encouraging offer. However, the steep drop for lower-grade fruit is raising concerns among orchardists, who worry that these categories may not bring in an adequate return on their investment, potentially squeezing smaller growers.
When and Where Procurement Begins
Procurement will be rolled out in phases across different regions to manage the influx:
· Starting August 24: Rohru, Rampur, and Tutu-Pani centres.
· Starting August 25: Sainj and Jarol-Tikkar centres.
· Starting August 28: Reckong Peo centre.
For many, these set prices offer a stable alternative to the volatile mandis. For others, the debate over whether they are fair for all grades of fruit is just beginning.
