The “universal carton” packaging system which limits the apple weight to 22-24 kg per box brought in by the government to prevent the losses faced by small farmers in Himachal with fruit packaging is being met with adulteration.
Given the drop in prices for apples from mid-September to mid-October, some growers resorted to over-packaging by lifting the carton’s flaps to increase the weight, completely undermining the purpose of standard packaging.
The current system was replaced by two-piece telescopic cartons which could carry fruit weighing around 34-35 kg.
At the start of the season, the standard packaging was well-received among growers, however with the prices drop, growers tend to bring in some cheap practices to increase their scale of profit.
However, when questioned, growers, buyers and agents, reportedly lead to blame gaming each other.
Each group cited varied reasons for overpackaging growers said they were asked by agents and buyers, while the latter asserted that they were doing it to cut the cost of packaging and transportation.
According to reports, most apples of the state, almost 70-80 pc are packed at designated facilities. And most of the owners of those facilities pushed the growers to overpack alleging that it met the market demand.
As no stringent checks are imposed, such activities hamper the government’s intention to control sales by weight.
The reports further added that the government didn’t implement regulations on the transportation of apples to mandis outside the state in telescopic cartons, nor did it ensure freight charges based on weight.
The problem contributing to this situation faced by the farmers is massive fluctuation in the prices of apples within the season. The beginning of the season marks the rates set up at Rs 4,000-5,000 per box. However, as more fruits from the higher altitudes inflows the market the prices drop to nearly half, making it at Rs 2,500-3000 per box.
By mid-September, the situation got more frustrating for the growers as the rates per box of apples plunged to Rs 800-1600. With only the best quality it to Rs 1,600 per box.
This drop, despite lower production and good quality, frustrated growers, who attributed the slump to market manipulation.
Meanwhile, commission agents reasoned the import of cheaper Iranian apples into Indian markets, often via Afghanistan.
Kashmir’s harvest season also contributes to the drop in prices.
If such factors persist, growers in high-altitude areas—whose apples hit the market in September—could face recurring price challenges.
Local growers hope for government intervention to raise import duties or set a higher minimum import price to protect their market against cheaper imported apples, which would enable them to compete more effectively.
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