Himachal government’s Agricultural Marketing Board issued a circular directing the sale of apples and similar fruits to be based on the weight of the produce at all markets. The board had taken a decision in this regard on April 4 and the circular affecting it was issued late last week. According to the circular, sellers will bring apples and similar fruits to be packed in universal cartons, telescopic cartons and crates. However, the weight in each box should not exceed 24 kg in any case.
Earlier, there was a tendency among both growers and sellers to package more than the prescribed layers of the apple to increase the weight of the box. This practice was highly unfavorable to the growers.
The seller shall now have to indicate the proper weight of the produce on the carton/box with a permanent marker. The government has made it mandatory to weigh the sample box(s) in each market yard/auction floor. The commission agents will be responsible for arranging a weighing machine for this purpose.
Source: hindustantimes.com