Bring in universal cartons, demand apple growers

Tribune News Service

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Shimla, November 22

Apple growers are in favour of discarding telescopic cartons, currently used for packaging the fruit, and want the government to bring in universal cartons or the crate system.

The issue will be discussed at a meeting with the HP State Agricultural Marketing Board in the end of this month.

“If apple can be imported from Iran in plastic crates, why we are made to sell our produce in cartons. If we start using crates for apples, a grower will save Rs 200 to Rs 250 on packaging and labour charges,” said Harish Chauhan, president of the Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Growers’ Association.

“If crates are used, the never-ending debate over telescopic and universal carton, too, will be over. And our fruit will be sold per kilogram like everywhere else,” he added.

The majority of apple growers have been demanding the use of universal cartons for many years now.