CM Sukhu announces legal study for Universal Cartons Implementation, empowering HP's Apple Growers

Himachal Pradesh CM told a delegation from the Theog assembly constituency that several initiatives had been taken, including the establishment of controlled atmosphere (CA) stores, to protect horticulturists from exploitation by intermediaries and to ensure that they received remunerative rates for their produce.

Apple is Himachal Pradesh's most important fruit crop, accounting for around 49% of total fruit cultivation area and 85% of total fruit production.

However, in higher elevations (over 7000 feet), while the apple plants are still in the pink bud or king bloom stage, it also requires a dry atmosphere for proper flowering and fruit setting. With these characteristics, Himachal is an ideal producing place for apples.

According to Sukhu, the state government is considering establishing an apple-based distillery, which would give horticulturists with an extra source of revenue by allowing them to sell undersized and rotting apples for winery products.

He stated that banks should strive for the welfare of farmers by making generous loans to them in the agricultural, fishery, and horticulture sectors in order to boost the state's rural economy.

Shimla is home to many apple cultivars, including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Royal Delicious, Red Cap Valtod, Red Velox, Red Gold, Tydeman's Early, Granny Smith, Oregon Spur, Scarlet Spur, Gale Gala, Auvil Early Fuji, Super Chief, and Red Chief, as well as local Indian types.