Universal cartons boost apple trade in Solan

The use of universal cartons for apple packaging has significantly increased apple trade in Solan this season, with transactions worth Rs 243 crore already recorded, surpassing last year’s Rs 199 crore till September 23.

The apple trade has shown consistent growth, from Rs 130 crore in 2017 to Rs 150 crore in 2021. The Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) earns a 1 per cent market fee from the trade, registering an increase of Rs 44 crore this season.

As of September 23, 27,24,969 boxes have been sold, compared to 18,45,556 boxes in the corresponding period last year. The trade gained momentum after a delayed start on August 15, with 8,79,413 more boxes sold this year.

Initially, growers resisted the universal cartons due to quality concerns, but multiple packaging firms provided quality materials, alleviating fears, said apple trader Vipin Chauhan.

APMC data reveals that Parwanoo terminal market sold 17,09,406 boxes, up from 9,87,924 boxes last year. Solan apple mandi traded 10,15,563 boxes, up from 8,57,632 boxes last year.

Secretary APMC Solan, Dr Ravinder Sharma, stated that growers’ prices for various apple varieties were slightly higher, ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 210 per kg, compared to Rs 190 to Rs 200 per kg last year.

Registered licensee Nisha Chauhan complained about not being allotted space despite being registered since last year, alleging some licensees were stalling her grant of space due to her family’s reputation in the trade.

Dr Ravinder Sharma assured that a list of non-working licences would be compiled, and space would be allotted to Chauhan soon.