12 lakh apple boxes traded in domestic markets

Shimla, Aug 20 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh State Agriculture Marketing Board has traded 12 lakh boxes of apple to traders from outside the state in domestic markets set up by the Board.

According to HPSAMB managing director O C Verma, Dhali apple market had sold 5,28668 boxes, Rohru market had sold 2,50000 boxes, Solan Apple markets 3,03492 boxes, Kullu market 40,830 boxes, Bhuntar market 31,000, Patli-Kuhal 9000 boxes and Banjar market had sold 9330 boxes of apple in the ongoing season.

He said that apples from these markets were being purchased for Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.

HPSAMB has set up 43 marketing centres during the current apple season in the state, he said.

"The local markets are attracting the farmers and traders because no marketing fees are charged from them and commissions are not fixed to recover. The traders have to pay only one percent market fee to bid for commission agent, he said.

"Small and marginal farmers are benefited from these local markets as unnecessary collections, market fees and other levies are removed from these markets." "Trading of apple in these markets are directly benefiting the farmers and they are also showing keen interest in these markets which save transport loss and expenses," he said.

Mr Verma said that A-grade delicious royal apple bidding Rs 800 to 900 per boxes, B-grade Rs 600-700, C-grade Rs 400-600 and D-grades Rs 300 to 400 where as Golden delicious has been bidding Rs 150 to 450.

Violation of the market norms can be challenged in Himachal Pradesh Market Committee and Marketing board offices by farmers if they have any grievances of any kind related to these markets, he said.

UNI XC PS JS1840