In a significant development for the apple industry, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during the Himachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25, declared the adoption of a universal carton for apple packaging from the 2024 season onwards. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the packaging quality and efficiency across the state, follows the establishment of a committee in December 2023, led by the Secretary of Agriculture, to guide and implement this new system. The budget also highlighted the creation of a ‘Centre of Excellence in Horticulture’ with an investment of Rs.12 crore, intended to serve as a comprehensive resource for quality, skill development, tourism, and marketing in the horticulture sector.
Additionally, the Chief Minister unveiled plans for two advanced Fruit Processing Units in the state's sub-tropical regions, aimed at boosting the value and export potential of processed fruit products. A ‘Foundation Block’ for mother trees and bud wood banks, costing Rs.5 crore, was announced to encourage the cultivation of subtropical fruits like guava and lemon, thereby promoting diversity and sustainability. Reflecting a strong commitment to the horticulture sector, a budget allocation of Rs. 531 crore was made, highlighting the sector's importance to the regional economy.
Source: thenewshimachal.com