States » NorthPosted at: Jun 13 2025 12:00AM


Apple cartons above 22 Kg to be confiscated: Himachal Minister

Shimla, June 12 (UNI) To ensure fair trade practices and streamline the apple transportation process this season, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Thursday announced that the fruit must be weighed only in standard 22-kg universal cartons.
"Any produce packed in cartons exceeding this limit would be confiscated and strict penalties, including challans, will be imposed on violators." Negi stated in a press conference here.
In a high-level meeting with stakeholders in the horticulture sector, the Minister also suggested that apple growers form cooperative societies modelled on successful European frameworks to boost their collective bargaining power and enhance market presence.
To manage the expected rush during peak season, the Minister called for a well-devised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the police for efficient traffic movement across apple-producing regions.
The meeting saw vocal concerns from horticulture representatives over reduced import duties on apples, which they claimed could adversely affect domestic apple growers by flooding the market with cheaper imports. They urged the state government to strongly take up the matter with the central government.
Reassuring stakeholders, Minister Jagat Singh Negi said the state government is committed to protecting the interests of apple and stone fruit growers and would provide full support to mitigate challenges in the sector.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Anuradha Rana, and Mohan Lal Brakta, along with APMC Shimla-Kinnaur Chairman Devanand Verma, Secretary Horticulture C. Palrasu, Director Vinay Singh, DC Solan Manmohan Sharma, and MD of the State Agricultural Marketing Board Hemis Negi.
Prominent farmer leaders, including Joint Farmers Forum Convenor Harish Chauhan, Co-convenor Sanjay Chauhan, Apple Producers Association President Rakesh Singha, and Stone Fruit Association President Deepak Singha, also participated, along with representatives from Arhtiya associations and departmental officers.
UNI ML NST SSP
Tags: #Apple cartons above 22 Kg to be confiscated: Himachal Minister
More News
Punjab Minister Bains says Haryana CM Saini 'steals Punjab's water at night'

Punjab Minister Bains says Haryana CM Saini 'steals Punjab's water at night'

14 Jun 2025 | 10:49 PM

Ludhiana, June 14 (UNI) Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Harjot Bains launched a scathing attack on Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini over his remarks on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) water distribution.

see more..
Haryana CM Saini shown black flags in Ludhiana over water sharing issue

Haryana CM Saini shown black flags in Ludhiana over water sharing issue

14 Jun 2025 | 10:38 PM

Ludhiana, June 14 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini was met with strong public opposition during his visit to Ludhiana to campaign for BJP’s candidate ahead of the Ludhiana West by-election, scheduled for June 19.

see more..

Haryana Minister Vij alleges Punjab's AAP govt is 'blocking' SYL water

14 Jun 2025 | 10:26 PM

Chandigarh, June 14 (UNI) Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij launched a strong attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and questioned “Who is holding back our SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) water? The Supreme Court has already given an order to provide water to Haryana, but who is stopping it and who is stealing the water? Our fields are thirsty, while all the water flows away into Pakistan.”
He further said that "AAP is playing politics within Punjab, but even politics should remain within limits."

Vij was responding to questions asked by the media persons in Panipat about the recent incident where Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was shown black flags and called a “water thief” during his visit to Punjab.

see more..

CM Mann urges support for AAP candidate for Ludhiana West by-poll

14 Jun 2025 | 10:19 PM

Ludhiana, June 14 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with AAP Punjab In-charge Manish Sisodia, addressed two massive Jansabhas in Ludhiana West today in support of AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora for the upcoming by-election on June 19.

see more..
J&K: SFs recover arms, ammo from hideout in Rajouri

J&K: SFs recover arms, ammo from hideout in Rajouri

14 Jun 2025 | 10:18 PM

Jammu, June 14 (UNI) Security forces on Saturday busted a terrorist hideout in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

see more..