Parala/Shimla - Amid the ruckus created by farmers over the 2 kg cut in apple carton of 24 kg weight, Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi announced today that apples are being sold based on weight have benefited farmers.

The decision came after extensive consultations with experts and farmer organizations, aiming to benefit the horticulture sector.

On the other hand, Farmers bodies slammed 2 kg cut and demand universal cartons for packaging in Markets.  

The group of farmers from the BJP camp zeroed in on at the venue of the Parala Mandi and pressed upon Negi that the arhtiyas were making 2 kg cut in 24 kg pack that has hit the farmers adversely. 

The Minister had  personally visited the fruit and vegetable market at Parala (Sainj) today to assess the progress of ongoing construction work.

They insisted that the apple packed in cartons with higher weight should also  be allowed to be sold at per 'Gad' till universal cartons become norm.

All groups supported the universal cartons. 

When the situation normalised Negi said he examined the development of essential facilities such as electricity, water, and parking, urging all departments involved to expedite their efforts.

The minister also reviewed the fruit-selling process, emphasizing the significance of this new system.

Minister Negi was accompanied by local MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore and former MLA Rakesh Singha.

The discussion revolved around the government's decision to adopt the weight-based selling method for apples.

Negi stressed that embracing world-class standards was crucial for Himachal's apples to remain competitive on the global stage.

Speaking about the widening of the Chaila to Parala Mandi road, the Horticulture Minister declared that it would be paved before July 15th, issuing clear instructions to the officials responsible for its completion.

Kuldeep Singh Rathore expressed his support for the weight-based selling system, highlighting its positive implications for orchardists.

He lauded the state government's decision, which he believed was in the best interest of horticulturists.

Former MLA Rakesh Singha also commended the government's efforts in the horticulture sector and praised the endeavors of the Horticulture Minister.

During the event, local horticulturists submitted a 6-point memorandum to Minister Negi, outlining their concerns.

The minister assured them that their grievances would be considered sympathetically.

Meanwhile, Sayunkt Kisan Manch (SKM) Demands Urgent Implementation of Universal Cartons and Weight-based Selling for Apples to Protect Farmers' Interests

SKM has warned that failure to issue a notification promptly would amount to defrauding these hardworking farmers, as the government itself has previously announced its intention to sell apples in universal cartons based on weight.

SKM saud the government should clear confusion created by the government's provision of 24 kg carton and solve this 20 kg and 24 kg dichotomy. 

It is worth noting that back in 2013, during the Congress government's tenure, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) was entrusted with the responsibility of developing universal cartons for apple packaging.

Adhering to international standards, IIP had unequivocally recommended the implementation of 20 kg cartons. However, owing to political interference and external pressures, successive governments have failed to implement this crucial initiative.

Furthermore, it has come to SKM's attention that in certain mandis, unscrupulous intermediaries are illegally cutting 2 kg from each box of apples.

SKM vehemently demands that these practices be halted immediately, urging the government to take stringent legal action against those responsible.

SKM insists that the affected farmers be duly compensated for the losses incurred, as such practices are entirely contrary to the principles of fair value-added trade.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, SKM urges the government to enforce the APMC Act, 2005, the HP Metrology Act, 2009, and the HP Passengers and Goods Taxation Act, 1955 without delay, to regulate and streamline apple marketing practices.

Failure to do so will compel SKM to unite with other farmer and gardener organizations in a widespread agitation against the government's inaction.

SKM representatives, Sanjay Chauhan and Harish Chauhan, who are coordinating the movement, have issued this demand on behalf of farmers across the state, aiming to protect their livelihoods and ensure fair treatment in the apple industry.

As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government responds to the impassioned call from SKM, and whether they will take concrete steps to address the concerns of the farming community.