SHIMLA: The weight-based market system for apple and pears has become now a new norm in all Mandis of Himachal Pradesh.  

The state government's revolutionary step  is being watched with new hope for the apple and pears farmers. 

The new system "ensures fair prices for farmers". It has a potential to create an “equitable competitive market system" that can liberate Rs 5000 Crore Apple economy of Himachal from the firm grip of Haryana and Delhi".

With more than 80 percent of Himachal's apple fruit flowing into Panchkula, Chandigarh, Delhi, and other Mandis, Haryana and Delhi, largest Mandis,   have been reaping the benefits just because Himachal lacks strong competitive  big Mandis that can hold the entire fruit in a four-month long apple season.

But that's all set to change if the apple growers get best prices in local Mandis under the new system  and if Himachal Pradesh's  Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu government makes the right moves.

CM has  confirmed that the enforcement of the weight-based market system is a new norm now in all Mandis in Himachal.

But it does not mean that the government is serious about creating “competitive atmosphere in local Mandis”.

If government is able to do so, it will bolster the state's own revenue, but also lure Arhtiyas (commission agents) and buyers from major metro markets across India to buy apples directly from Mandis in Himachal.

"The farmers' produce is ours, and arhtiyas are also ours. We're taking charge of it!" proclaim Himachal Pradesh's horticulture and revenue minister, Jagat Singh Negi, and education minister Rohit Thakur  here on Saturday.

They have rallied behind the apple farmers, saying that the government is roping in both the government-run HPMC and willing private players to ensure that “new market system prevails and succeeds”.

“We will ensure the kilogram-based selling remains in full force in Mandis across the state, including Parala, Shimla, Solan, Parwanoo, and Rohru”, they clear the air at the press conference here on Saturday.

However, Arhtiyas and traders don’t sing praises for Negi.

They claim they are on board with the government's intentions, but face hurdles in selling fruit as per the new system as they need extra market space.

In fact, the shift from carton-based to kilogram-based selling has cut down  “profit margins” of both Arhtiays and traders- main reason why they are creating hue and cry over the new system.

But yes,  it is true that new system has caused logistical nightmares for Arhtiyas and growers in Mandis that need to be addressed by the government.

Their plea to the Chief Minister:  "We are with you, but give us space in the markets!"

But Negi and Thakur made it clear that the government won't tolerate any violations of the new market regulation.  Strict consequences await those who dare to flout the rules and APMC Act.

“The Arhtiyas should  cooperate with us and need not worry." "We are giving them extra space in Parala, Solan, Parwanu and other Mandis”, said Negi.

One of the key challenges in the market arises from the lack of standardized universal cartons for apples in India. Jammu and Kashmir, major apple producer in India, use different  weights of cartons, Himachal has different. Arhtiyas in Haryana and Delhi buy apple on the basis of cartons.  

To tackle this issue, the state government is planning to “standardize carton weights to ensure a fair playing field for all.  “New carton of 24 kg is standarized”, Negi claimed.  

With private players like Adani, Devbhumi, and Mother Dairy already operating in Himachal, the government hopes that increased competition will stabilize fruit prices and benefit farmers in the long run.

But these private buyers have a limited CAS store capacity  to buy few lakh cartons directly from the farmers that does not account for not even 2 per cent of the fruit produced in Shimla district. 

However, this landmark change comes after a staggering 15-year delay in implementing a weight-based market system.  

Both the then horticulture Minister  Smt Vidya Stokes in the Virbhadra Singh regime and Narendra Bragta in the Dhumal regime had tried to implement this new system earlier.

Negi’s  efforts to introduce this much-awaited reform have received accolades from farmers.

This time, apple farmers face floods that have destroyed the apple orchards worth Crores of rupees and road disruptions adding to a crisis triggered by  lower apple and pear production this year.  

Due to scarcity of fruit, the arhtiays and traders in the region  are desperate to buy as much apple as possible and all stores have been hired by them.  

Will the weight-based market system provide much-needed relief and ensure best prices for farmers? Negi claimed it is doing so.  

Will it attract big-time buyers from outside in local Mandis?  Negi said HPMC and private players will make it a success.  

All eyes are fixed on the Sukhu government.

Main task is to create an “equitable, competitive well-equipped market system in Mandis of Himachal that attract big buyer?”

But then they also look for incentives they enjoy in Haryana and Delhi that the state government must ensure.   

The fruit growers have kept their finger crossed, awaiting the fruits of their labour under this new market system.