Shimla: The State Government will ensure introduction of Universal Carton during the upcoming apple season to benefit the fruit growers. This was stated by Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi while presiding over the meeting regarding apple season preparedness with various stakeholders.
The Minister said that Himachal Pradesh is famous for its apple production which contributes significantly to the economy of the state. Keeping in view the importance of apple season, the State Government was gearing up to leave no stone unturned for a fruitful apple season. Universal carton will be utilized in the state for the benefit of all the stake holders. Sale of apple by weight (kilogram) was introduced last year to fulfil the promise made to apple growers by the state government, he added. He also emphasised registration and grant of licence to fruit traders and timely payments to the fruit growers.
Jagat Singh Negi gave directions to Shimla district administration to ensure availability of trucks and pickup vehicles for transportation of fruit boxes as per the demand besides fixation of freight charges for transportation of apple fruits on kilogram and kilometre basis. He directed to setup main control room at Fagu. He also directed the Police department to ensure traffic management and maintenance of law and order during apple season.
During the meeting directions were given to Public Works Department and National Highway Authority of India for proper maintenance of roads connecting fruit growing areas to terminal markets and timely restoration of roads disrupted by heavy rain and landslides.
Managing Director Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Limited (HPMC) Sudesh Kumar Mokhta gave vote of thanks and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to facilitate the apple growers.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of the Police Shimla Sanjeev Gandhi, Joint Secretary Horticulture Vikram Singh Negi, Managing Director Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumer’s Federation Limited (HIMFED) Gian Sagar Negi, Managing Director Himachal Pradesh State Agriculture and Marketing Board (HPSAMB) Hemis Negi, Secretary State Transport Authority Naresh Thakur, Chief Engineer National Highway (NH) PWD Suresh Kapoor and other senior officers of stakeholder departments were also present on the occasion.
