Apple Season: Horticulture Minister Urges Officials to Repair Roads for Smooth Transportation

Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, emphasized the need for repairing and upgrading roads to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles during the upcoming apple season. In a review meeting held on Wednesday, Negi discussed the preparations required to facilitate the apple trade in the state.

To enhance the convenience of orchardists, commissioned agents, and other stakeholders involved in the apple business, Negi stressed the importance of providing essential facilities in the apple markets located across different regions of the state. These facilities include parking spaces, drinking water, toilets, and electricity.

Negi directed the horticulture, agriculture, public works, and police departments to establish control rooms at the district level. These control rooms will serve as coordination centers, ensuring effective management and prompt resolution of any issues that may arise during the apple season.

To combat theft and maintain transparency in inter-state transportation of apples, the police announced that only GPS-enabled vehicles will be registered for this purpose. Additionally, they will scrutinize the Know Your Customer (KYC) details of suspicious merchants.

In order to enhance security measures, CCTV cameras and automatic speedometers will be deployed at various locations to monitor traffic, law and order, and ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved in the apple trade.

The minister also emphasized the need for timely supply of packaging material, prompt registration of fruit traders, and the issuance of licenses and identity cards. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of ensuring timely payments to fruit growers, recognizing their significant contributions to the apple industry.

These efforts aim to support the growth and success of the horticulture sector while ensuring the satisfaction of all stakeholders involved in the apple business.