Himachal Seb Utpadak Sangh seeks mandatory implementation of universal carton

Himachal Seb Utpadak Sangh today hold a demonstration outside 22 blocks of the state seeking implementation of the International Standard Universal carton regime in the state.

The main protest was held at Throg in Shimla district outside SDM Office on Thursday. The Protest was led by Himachal Pradesh Kisan Sabha President Dr Kuldeep Singh Tanwarand Convenor of SUS Sohan Lal Thakur.

The poorest farmers are opposing the packing of 24 kg per box of apples from the very beginning of apple season this year. 

In a two paged memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu SUS demanded that the packing of apples should be according to international standards.  Universal cartons which should be should be made mandatory.

 Apple Growers demanded that the cut of produce tune to two kg per box should be stopped and cartons should be sold on the net weight like other products. 

They said that the logic of deduction of two kg of vegetables like peas, cabbage, etc could not apply to apples as the gunny bag is given back to the farmers and the farmer uses the gunny bag again. 

Apple Growers are against a deduction of two kilograms in the apple box stating that deduction was also stopped in gunny bags of vegetables as these are not returned now.

Seb Utpadak Sangh leaders stated in the memorandum that the state government is trying to project itself as a well-wisher of the horticulturists, but it is working under the pressure of middlemen and retailers traders.

They said that the Himachal government, Commission agents, and traders are together who are trying to create confusion regarding the sale of apples so that the apple market could be started on the old pattern.

The Apple Growers Association would not allow the looting of the growers and would fight unitedly against it.

 The Apple Growers Association in the state is demanding strict implementation of the APMC Act, Legal Metrology Act, and Passenger and Goods Act.