Shimla, July 4,
The apple season in Himachal Pradesh has begun, with early varieties already reaching the market. However, the introduction of universal cartons has encountered significant demand and supply challenges.
Vikash Thakur, a manufacturer at Alamardar Industry in Chail, stated, “We are currently facing a demand issue for universal cartons. Our production capacity is about 20,000 units per day, but without confirmed bulk orders, we cannot afford to produce small consignments.”
The cost of each universal carton is approximately Rs 48, excluding GST, making it essential for manufacturers to secure substantial orders to avoid excess stock.
Thakur said that they couldn’t supply manufacturers with universal cartons, considering the failure of apple crops in the low-altitude regions and the poor quantity of apples in the mid-altitude belt.
Apple growers, particularly those in mid and low-altitude regions, have seen a limited supply of universal cartons. Carton supplies are mainly sourced from Delhi, but their availability is inconsistent.
He said, “I am waiting for bulk orders, but there are no major orders so far. We are left with no choice but to wait for the peak apple season in August now.”
Anil Thakur, an orchardist from Kotgarh, expressed his frustration, saying, “Despite the government’s directive to use universal cartons instead of the traditional telescopic ones, we are struggling to find them in the market. This delay is affecting our ability to bring our apples to the mandis.”
The government has mandated that all apple transactions in the state’s mandis be conducted using universal cartons. While this decision aims to standardize packaging, it has inadvertently caused problems for growers. “The early apple varieties like Red June are ready for sale, but we can’t transport them without the new cartons,” said Surendra Bhalak, a gardener from Kotgarh. “Every year, the society provides us with cartons, but this year, the supply has not arrived yet.”
Jogendra Singh, another gardener from Kotgarh, highlighted the severity of the situation: “We have old cartons available, but we are not allowed to use them for apples. If the new cartons do not arrive soon, we may be forced to sell our apples on the roads.”
As the peak apple season approaches in August, it is crucial for the supply chain issues to be resolved swiftly to ensure farmers can transport and sell their produce efficiently.
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