Himachal Apple Season Faces Challenges with Universal Box SupplyHimachal Apple Season Faces Challenges with Universal Box Supply The apple season in Himachal Pradesh is underway, but the introduction of universal boxes for packaging has brought significant challenges in terms of demand and supply. Manufacturers of universal boxes, like Vikash Thakur of Alamardar Industry, are experiencing low demand. Their production capacity is high, but without bulk orders, they’re hesitant to produce smaller consignments. The cost of the boxes also poses a challenge, requiring manufacturers to secure large orders to avoid inventory buildup. Apple growers have also been impacted by the limited supply. The boxes are mainly sourced from Delhi, but availability is inconsistent. Anil Thakur, a grower from Kotgarh, highlights the frustration of not being able to find the boxes in the market. The government mandate to use universal boxes has created difficulties for farmers. They’re unable to transport their apples without the new packaging, leading to concerns about selling their produce. With the peak apple season approaching in August, it’s crucial to address these supply chain issues promptly. Farmers need efficient access to universal boxes to transport and sell their products smoothly.
Shimla, July 4,
The apple season in Himachal Pradesh has begun with early varieties already in the market. However, the introduction of universal boxes has faced significant demand and supply challenges.
Vikash Thakur, a manufacturer at Alamardar Industry in Chail, said, “We are currently facing a demand problem for universal boxes. Our production capacity is around 20,000 units per day, but without confirmed bulk orders, we cannot afford to produce small consignments.”
The cost of each universal box is around Rs 48 excluding VAT. Therefore, manufacturers have to place large orders to avoid excess inventory.
Thakur said they could not supply universal boxes to manufacturers given the failed apple crops in the low-lying areas and low apple production in the mid-high areas.
Apple growers, especially those in the mid and low-lying areas, have seen limited supply of universal boxes. The boxes are mainly sourced from Delhi, but the availability is inconsistent.
He said: “I am waiting for bulk orders, but there are no big orders yet. We have no choice but to wait until the peak season of apples in August.”
Anil Thakur, a fruit grower from Kotgarh, expressed his frustration and said, “Despite the government directive to use universal boxes instead of the traditional telescopic ones, we are struggling to find them in the market. This delay is affecting our ability to deliver our apples to the mandis.”
The government has made it mandatory that all apple transactions in the state mandis be carried out using universal boxes. While the move is aimed at standardising packaging, it has inadvertently created problems for farmers. “The early varieties of apples like Red June are ready for sale, but we cannot transport them without the new boxes,” said Surendra Bhalak, a gardener from Kotgarh. “Every year, the association supplies us with boxes, but this year the stock has not arrived yet.”
Jogendra Singh, another gardener from Kotgarh, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “We have old boxes available, but we are not allowed to use them for apples. If the new boxes do not arrive soon, we may be forced to sell our apples on the road.”
With the peak apple season approaching in August, it is imperative that supply chain issues are resolved quickly so that farmers can transport and sell their produce efficiently.
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