Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, September 29
Thousands of tonnes of apples purchased by the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) are reportedly rotting along roadsides, raising concerns among orchardists about pending payments. Despite the monsoon ending, the apple season remains disorganised. Prices have fallen sharply in markets, while fruit procured by HPMC is lying unsold at collection centres. The main reasons cited are the breakdown of transportation arrangements and delays in HPMC’s auction process. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson and orchardist Chetan Bragta accused HPMC of “gross mismanagement,” warning that if the apples are not auctioned or processed in time, farmers may not receive their payments.
Bragta also pointed out that HPMC has not cleared last year’s dues, adding that the current spoilage could result in major revenue losses for the state. According to official figures, HPMC has so far procured around 40,000 metric tonnes of apples this year. Of this, about 25 metric tonnes were to be sent for processing, with the rest meant for sale through auctions. Many farmers, frustrated with delays and poor arrangements, have begun sending C-grade apples to open markets. This has contributed to a steep fall in the prices of quality apples, leaving orchardists without fair returns for their produce.
