Himachal Govt for universal carton, Apple to be sold on the basis of weight in first yrs
Rejecting demands of Commission agents and Farmers leaders belonging to BJP, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that government would not allow the exploitation of apple Growers by continue allowing overweight cartons in the markets.
In reply to media queries, Minister said that under the pressure of middlemen and motivated Farmers leaders efforts are being made to continue the exploitative regime of selling overweight cartons from 25 to 32 kilograms.
He said that government could not allow such exploitation of Farmers in the interest of small and marginal apple growers and it is for implementation of universal cartons approved by the government in 2013.
Minister said that apples would be sold on the basis of weight ( per kilogram) and the government would also reconsider the ceiling of 24 kg after meeting with the officials tomorrow.
He said that government would decide soon if an apple of weight 24 kg or more in the box or crate would be sold according to the weight. He said that apple season has started in the state and for the first time, apples are being sold in the Apple Market on the basis of Kilogram.
Replying about the packing of 24 kg apple carton, the minister said that according to universal grading, more than 24 kg apple does not come in boxes, but because this is the first year of sale on the basis of kg, so now the gardeners are selling in crates other than boxes of 24 kg or more.
Minister said Farmers could bring apples in any packing however it would be sold on the basis of kg only.
He said that some people who are opposing the new system of universal cartons and end of exploitation of apple growers by ending the sale of overweight telescopic cartoons and spreading misconceptions.
He said that for the first time in the state, apples are being sold on the basis of weight, so the growers are worried and there is confusion.
He said that apples will be sold in the market according to their weight, whether the gardeners bring packing of 5 kg or 24 kg or more.
Some Farmers who are coming into the market packing 24 kg apple boxes complain that Commission agents are indulging in illegal deduction of weight from 24 kg to 22 kg.
Jagat Singh Negi said that the government had decided to impose a ceiling of 24 kg considering the public interest, if there is a need for amendment, then the government is ready for that and a decision would be taken after discussing with the officials in the meeting to be held tomorrow.
Congress party is continuing its attack on the Narendra Modi government at the center for reducing Apple import duty on foreign apples from 70 percent to 50 percent but few BJP leaders did not miss the opportunity to oppose the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government for implementation of universal carton and selling of apple on basis of weight.
Interesting middlemen and Commission agents who are not in favor of universal carton are supporting are indirectly supporting BJP leaders opposing the new system of Apple marketing.
