Date:08/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/08/stories/2008080856030800.htm

National

Lack of cartons leaves apple growers in the lurch

Staff Correspondent

Private carton manufacturers on strike, farmers demand resumption of public sector carton factory

SHIMLA: The Confederation of State Fruit and Vegetable Growers has once again demanded that the government resume production of corrugated apple boxes in the public sector Gumma carton factory. Confederation chairman Ravinder Chauhan said here on Wednesday that the growers are forced to pay at least Rs.20 more on every carton to private manufacturers as compared to last year.

With more than 250 trucks carrying 1.25 lakh apple boxes going out of the State every day, farmers have begun to panic due to non availability of cardboard cartons even in the open market.

About 40 lakh apple boxes weighing 25 kg each have been supplied to various fruit markets in the country so far, according to the control room officials.

The carton manufacturers association of Himachal Pradesh have gone on a strike due to rise in raw material prices. The manufacturers of Baddi, Nalagarh and Kala Amb have come together to oppose the 30 per cent increase in prices of the raw material, said a spokesman.

Horticulture Minister Narender Bragta has said that Himachal Pradesh Corrugated Boxes Manufacturers Association has assured to ensure a regular supply of cartons in Sirmaur district during the current apple season. He said that after his personal intervention, the members of the association held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur at Nahan and assured him of this.

Mr. Bragta said that Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh packagers association has already assured that every effort would be made to ensure proper supply of cartons to the horticulturists of the State during the current apple season. He said that elaborate arrangements were being made for transportation of apple produce and availability of trays and cartons to facilitate the horticulturists.

Horticulture Minister said that 207 collections centres were functioning properly in the State and 33 more would start functioning from this coming August 15. Meanwhile apple orchard owners showed resentment and were highly critical of the cartons beings supplied by private manufacturers. They complained of increase in prices and deteriorating quality. They also demanded the restarting of government owned carton factory in Gumma in Kotkhai region.

The quality and prices of cartons from this PSU were much better, said N.S. Chauhan, a grower from Kotkhai.