Shimla: Apple Farmers  Long Wait is over Finally. Himachal Pradesh government has issued a groundbreaking initiative to standardize apple packaging with the introduction of universal cartons for the 2024 season.

 This move aimed at elevating the quality and marketability of Himachal Apple that will prove to be a boon for the apple farmers.

The government has issued notification to this effect on February 16, 2024, under Himachal Pradesh Agricultural and Horticultural Produce Marketing (Development & Regulation) Act, 2005. It supersedes all prior regulations concerning the purchase and sale of apples, in the state.

Under the newly announced regulations, specific guidelines have been outlined for the maximum capacities and dimensions of Regular Slotted Containers (RSC), Corrugated Fiber Board (CFB), and Universal Cartons, catering to various apple grades.

These specifications aim to optimize packaging efficiency while ensuring consistency and quality across different apple sizes.

Specifications for Universal Cartons:

1. **Extra-large, Extra-small, and Extra-pittu sizes:**
   - Dimensions: 500mm x 300mm x 310mm (+2mm)
   - Ply: 5 Ply
   - Tare Weight: 950 to 1050 grams (+2%)
   - Grammage: 200 gsm/cm2 (200 gsm of 24 B.F)
   - Bursting Strength: 18 Kg ± 2%
   - Compression Strength: 450 Kg + 5%
   - Ventilation Holes: 02 nos. of 25 mm diameter at each end of the box
   - Maximum Humidity: 65% (+2%)
   - Cobb Value (Water Absorption): <120 gms/m2 (+5%)
   - Moisture Percentage: Not less than 8% and not more than 10%
   - Style of Carton: Universal Carton 5 ply CFB, RSC type with stapled pins/gluing

2. **Large, Medium, and Small grade sizes:**
   - Dimensions: 500mm x 300mm x 330mm (+2mm)
   - Ply: 5 Ply
   - Tare Weight: 950 to 1050 grams (+2%)
   - Grammage: 200 gsm/cm2 (200 gsm of 24 B.F)
   - Bursting Strength: 18 Kg ± 2%
   - Compression Strength: 450 Kg + 5%
   - Ventilation Holes: 02 nos. of 25 mm diameter at each end of the box
   - Maximum Humidity: 65% (+2%)
   - Cobb Value (Water Absorption): <120 gms/m2 (+5%)
   - Moisture Percentage: Not less than 8% and not more than 10%
   - Style of Carton: Universal Carton 5 ply CFB, RSC type with stapled pins/gluing

**Packaging Details for Each Grade:**

- **Extra-large, Large, and Medium:**
  - Number of Apples per Tray: 20
  - Number of Trays per Box: 5
  - Average Weight of Apples per Box: 20.00 kg

- **Small:**
  - Number of Apples per Tray: 25
  - Number of Trays per Box: 5
  - Average Weight of Apples per Box: 20.125 kg

- **Extra-small:**
  - Number of Apples per Tray: 30
  - Number of Trays per Box: 5
  - Average Weight of Apples per Box: 20.025 kg

- **Pittu:**
  - Number of Apples per Tray: 35
  - Number of Trays per Box: 5 CFB
  - Average Weight of Apples per Box: 20.00 kg

The announcement of these standardized packaging measures underscores the government's commitment to supporting the state's horticultural community.

The stakeholders  have been asked to provide feedback within 30 days to ensure the effective implementation of these regulations, after which further actions will be taken to finalize the specified grades.