Apple Season Woes: Demand-Supply Gap for Universal Boxes in Himachal PradeshApple Season Woes: Demand-Supply Gap for Universal Boxes in Himachal Pradesh The apple season in Himachal Pradesh has commenced, but the introduction of universal boxes has brought forth significant challenges in terms of demand and supply. Manufacturers face a dilemma in producing universal boxes due to a lack of confirmed bulk orders. The cost per box, excluding VAT, stands at Rs 48, necessitating large-scale orders to prevent inventory buildup. Apple growers, particularly those in low-lying areas, are experiencing scarcity of universal boxes. The boxes are primarily sourced from Delhi, but availability remains sporadic. “We’re facing a demand problem for universal boxes. We can’t afford to produce small consignments without bulk orders,” stated Vikash Thakur, a manufacturer at Alamardar Industry. Apple farmers express frustration over the delayed supply of universal boxes. Anil Thakur, a fruit grower from Kotgarh, said, “We’re struggling to find universal boxes in the market. This is hindering our ability to deliver apples to the mandis.” The government has mandated the use of universal boxes for all apple transactions in state mandis. However, the implementation has created difficulties for farmers. “We have old boxes, but we’re not allowed to use them,” said Surendra Bhalak, a gardener from Kotgarh. With the peak apple season approaching in August, it is crucial to address the supply chain issues promptly to facilitate efficient transportation and sale of produce.
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.
Support independent journalism – Join us today!
Dear reader,
We are committed to impartial, in-depth journalism that exposes the truth and gives a voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our investigation, our reporting and our impact.
Support us in preserving the integrity and transparency of independent journalism. Support a free press, diverse perspectives and informed democracy.
Click (here) to be part of this important undertaking.
Thank you for appreciating independent journalism.
Heartfelt,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
