Apple production to fall below target

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 18

The apple season is heading for a close soon, but the production may not reach the figure of 3.25 crore cartons that is far behind the estimated figure of 3.70 crore projected for this year.

Due to a slump, the returns for farmers were on the lower side and the apple production this year is set to be much lower than the estimated figure.

The export of apple has reduced from 5 lakh cartons per day last week to 1 lakh cartons per day now. The total production may not surpass the 3.25 crore cartons.

The state government presented the wrong estimates of production this year that resulted in slump in apple prices, observed Rakesh Singha, president Himachal Seb Udpadak Sangh and Theog legislator.

President, Progressive Growers Association (PGA), Lokinder Bisht said there was a slump in the markets due to wrong estimates by the government and undersized fruit. Even the quality of fruit was not good and there was lack of liquidity in the markets and traders did not offer good prices, he observed.

Director, Horticulture, Dr M L Dhiman attributed the lower production to the widespread rain that kept temperatures during summer lower that kept the fruit undersized. “We hope production will cross 3.25 crore cartons this year as about one lakh cartons are being exported. The season will come to close this month-end or so”, he added.