SHIMLA, AUGUST 31:
Adani Agri Fresh’s new apple procurement rates have failed to generate much enthusiasm among Himachal’s apple growers this season, with prevailing open-market prices for premium Royal varieties substantially higher than the rates offered by the company.
Adani Agri Fresh, which operates controlled-atmosphere (CA) stores at Sainj, Rohru, Bithal, Tuttupani and Jarol Tikkar in Kotgarh, has announced its fresh procurement rates. However, growers said the open markets at Parala, Narkanda, Rohru, Parwanoo and Pinjore are currently offering around ₹2,800 to ₹4,000 per carton for top-quality Royal Delicious, translating into roughly ₹125–₹140 or even more per kg.
Growers attributed the sharp rise in open-market prices to a steep fall in apple production this year coupled with a sharp rise in demand for Royal and other premium varieties, including Gala.
They said Adani is therefore receiving a relatively poor response from growers, who are finding better returns in the open market.
According to the new rate list issued by Adani Agri Fresh, apples with 80–100 per cent colour in the LMS category will fetch ₹108 per kg, against ₹85 per kg last year. The company has thus increased the rate by ₹23 per kg for this category.
For the same colour category, the rate for ES (Extra Small) has been fixed at ₹89 per kg, EES (Extra Extra Small) at ₹73 per kg and EL (Extra Large) at ₹60 per kg.
For apples having 60–80 per cent colour, the company has fixed the LMS rate at ₹80 per kg, ES at ₹67 per kg and EES at ₹54 per kg. The rate for Pittu and EL grades has been fixed at ₹43 per kg.
The revised rates have been displayed at Adani Agri Fresh’s CA stores in Rampur, Rohru, Sainj, Jarol Tikkar and Tuttupani.
The growers, however, said the comparison this season was no longer simply between company procurement and traditional mandis.
With limited supplies and strong demand for quality fruit, market forces are currently pushing premium Royal varieties well above the company’s announced rates, making open-market sales more attractive for many growers.
