Shimla
The year 2024 witnessed transformation in the horticulture industry of Himachal Pradesh with the introduction of Universal Carton packaging for apples which revolutionized the entire process of packaging, transportation and marketing. This initiative of the State Government has proven to be a milestone in boosting the economic prospects of orchardists by ensuring better prices while safeguarding the quality of their produce.
For years, the economy of apple growers of Himachal Pradesh faced harsh challenges due to the lack of suitable packaging cartons. The traditional boxes often damaged the fruit thus fetching a meagre amount resulting in loss to the horticulturalists. Recognizing this long-standing issue, the present state government introduced the ‘Universal Carton’ as an alternative aimed at preserving the quality of apples and enhancing the competitiveness of the growers vis-a-vis fetching them good rates for their crop.
The Universal Cartons were designed keeping in mind the specific dimensions, multi-layered trays, bursting and compressive strength thus ensuring that the apples remain well-protected during the transit. This strategic move by the government allows orchardists to present their produce in best of the quality ensuring higher returns.
The notification of Universal Carton is more than just a packaging solution. This initiative empowers the orchardists to set the price for their apple produce reducing their dependence on middlemen and traders who in the past often purchased the produce at lower rates depriving the apple producers of the profit they deserved. This new system provides growers with greater control over the sale process, improving their income and overall economic standing.
The government has taken comprehensive steps to ensure the successful implementation of this reform. Local carton manufacturing units have been promoted, and training programmes have been organized to guide orchardists in shifting to this packaging system. The government’s commitment to ensure the availability of cartons on demand of the apple producers in every region further demonstrates its resolve to support them.
The figures itself boast of the success of the Universal Carton initiative. Over 1.12 crore Universal Cartons have been used to deliver apples to Fruit yards across the country. Specifically, Shimla and Kinnaur alone have accounted for 71.49 lakh cartons. Other districts have also made notable contributions: Solan with 19 lakh 47 thousand 511 cartons, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti with 13 lakh 16 thousand 88 cartons, Kangra with 5,201 cartons, Sirmaur with 1,312 cartons, Una with 918 cartons, Bilaspur with 456 cartons, Hamirpur with 1,921 cartons, and Chamba with 30 cartons. The Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing & Processing Corporation (HPMC) alone has contributed 50 thousand Universal Cartons. These figures reflect the widespread and successful implementation of the Universal Carton in the state, highlighting its significant role in improving Apple transportation throughout the country.
This reform is expected to have a ripple effect, not only increasing the income of orchardists but also driving economic development in the entire region. Moreover, the introduction of Universal Carton has opened the door for similar improvements in packaging and marketing strategies across different sectors of horticulture, marking a turning point for the horticulturists of the state.
