Better packaging needed for Himachal apples

Most of the imported apples from China, New Zealand, USA and Australia that are sold in the metros are impressively packed and could be safely preserved.

In comparison, the apples from Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir lack quality packaging even now.

Himachal growers use the corrugated and telescopic cartons. The growers from Kashmir are still using wooden packaging.

Fruit packed in quality boxes is always considered safe, free from damage and hence fetches a good price.

‘‘Other countries like China and USA are far ahead of us in the fruit packaging. It is still a challenge for the country’s apple industry. Unless we use best packaging materials and techniques, our produce cannot fetch dollars,’’ said Lekh Raj Chauhan, a leading orchardist and president of Himachal Apple Growers body.

First efforts to promote non-wood packaging for the apple growers in the state was made way back in 1988-1989. A Rs 30-crore project was sanctioned for setting up an apple carton factory at Gumma (Shimla), which was to produce one crore corrugated cartons every year. The project, funded by the Centre, had a technical collaboration from Japan and UK.

The HIMFED alone has sold 12 to 14 lakh apple cartons this season, against the previous records of four to five lakh cartons.

The rest of the demand was met by Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce and Marketing Corporation (HPMC) and HP Agro-Industries Corporation — both PSUs and private suppliers.

A carton produced at the Gumma factory costs Rs 28.50. There is a subsidy of Rs 4 per box, which the government proposes to phase out completely in next three to five years.

By now, more than a dozen private entrepreneurs have also set-up their factories. As Virender Sood, who owns Maharani Packes factory in Kullu, said, ‘‘the demand is growing up each year and the unit is doing well’’.

But the growers are unhappy about the quality of the boxes.

The cartons, alleged Chauhan, are of low quality. The basic necessity is to keep the fruit in good condition for a longer time or till it reaches the market and protect it from external damage, rain or rot.

‘‘Much needs to be done to address this issue,’’ he said.