HP Government Introduces Universal Cartons for Apple Packaging in 2024, Seeks Suggestions

: Category: Latest; Published: 19 February 2024

HimbuMailNewsService

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.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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