States » NorthPosted at: Jun 16 2025 4:39PM


Shimla dist. expects record 1.63 crore apple boxes this season

Shimla, June 16 (UNI) Shimla district is heading towards a bumper apple harvest this season, with an estimated production of 1.63 crore apple boxes. Last year, the district had produced 1.62 crore 56 thousand boxes, yielding 3,25,137 metric tonnes of apples. Given the favourable weather conditions and improved orchard health, the yield is likely to surpass last year’s figures.
To ensure a smooth and organized apple season, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap chaired a high-level meeting at Bachat Bhawan auditorium on Monday. Detailed discussions were held with officials from horticulture, agriculture, transport, PWD, police, and APMC to ensure that arrangements are in place for transportation, road maintenance, parking, packaging materials, and inter-departmental coordination.
The deputy commissioner directed the Public Works Department and National Highways Authority to complete road repair and maintenance work on a priority basis. He emphasized that uninterrupted power supply must be ensured by the Electricity Board, especially in high-yield orchard areas.
To facilitate better management, five control rooms will be operational from July 15 at Fagu (main center), Balg, Shoghi, Gumma, and Kuddu. These centres will be equipped with telecommunication facilities, CCTV cameras, and staffed by SDM-appointed personnel. Adequate police deployment will also be ensured to manage traffic and safety.
Strict instructions have been issued to prevent overloading of vehicles, with violators facing legal action. Apple-laden trucks will not be permitted to enter Shimla city and will be rerouted through the Dhalli-Mehli bypass. Additionally, trailers will not be allowed on the Theog-Shimla route between 5 am and 9:30 pm, while empty pickups will use the Bekhalti road.
The deputy commissioner also directed all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to fix freight rates based on road condition, fuel prices, and box load. These rates must be publicly displayed at control rooms and mandis. Any instances of overcharging will be dealt with strictly.
To protect growers from fraud, licenses to commission agents will be issued only after proper verification by APMC and the Agriculture Department. Identity cards will also be mandatory for drivers and cleaners, with registration fees set at ₹200 for pickups, ₹500 for six-wheelers, and ₹1000 for trailers.
Meanwhile, fruit mandis will be regularly inspected by SDMs, horticulture officers, and APMC officials to ensure cleanliness, drinking water supply, and toilets.
However, Harish Chauhan, convenor of the Himachal Pradesh Apple Growers’ Association, criticised the government for issuing a notification restricting apple sales at the orchard level, despite the APMC Act recognising the entire state as one unified market.
“This move will increase transportation costs and commissions for the buyer. The government should focus on registering genuine buyers and commission agents. If someone defaults, the state must take responsibility,” Chauhan said. “There’s no harm if growers receive their payment directly before their produce even leaves the orchard,” Chauhan said.
With increased yield expectations and coordinated administrative efforts, Shimla is poised for a productive apple season this year.
UNI ML PRS
Tags: #Shimla dist. expects record 1.63 crore apple boxes this season
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