The Sukhu government's recent directive requiring the use of universal cartons for apple transactions has sparked concerns among the apple farming community and commission agents, as reported by BJP leader Jairam Thakur. Thakur criticized the government's lack of preparation for the implementation of this rule at the onset of the apple season. He pointed out that apple growers are now stuck with telescopic cartons, which have become obsolete overnight, incurring significant losses. Thakur has called on the government to repurchase these now-redundant cartons and compensate the farmers accordingly.
Moreover, the mandate for universal cartons has led to operational hurdles, with commission agents refusing apples packed in the old telescopic cartons, causing logistical and financial strain for the farmers. Thakur highlighted the absence of clear guidelines or alternatives, exacerbating the plight of both apple growers and commission agents. He urged the government to ensure the availability of high-quality universal cartons at reasonable prices to ease the burden on the apple farming community.
Thakur also criticized the government's historical oversight of apple growers' needs, referencing a previous policy failure regarding the mandate for purchases by weight without providing necessary weighing infrastructure at marketplaces, which led to further discord and difficulty for apple growers.
Source: thenewshimachal.com