According to tribuneindia.com, the Himachal Apple Growers Association has raised alarms over alleged large-scale irregularities in apple procurement under India’s Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and called for a thorough investigation and strict legal action against those responsible.
Allegations Target Procurement Agencies
Sanjay Chauhan, state committee member of the Himachal Apple Growers Association, stated that the alleged irregularities could not have occurred without involvement or possible collusion by officials overseeing procurement and staff deployed at collection centres. He urged the government to identify those responsible and recover losses incurred by the exchequer. Chauhan noted that the Horticulture Minister confirmed these irregularities in the Legislative Assembly while responding to an MLA’s question — a disclosure that has cast serious doubt on the operational integrity of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) and Himfed.
The association demanded a transparent and accountable procurement mechanism moving forward, including clear rules for appointing personnel at collection centres — with explicit prohibition of political or other external interference in such appointments.
Adani Agri Fresh Sets Seasonal Price Tiers
Adani Agri Fresh Limited announced its procurement prices for this season several days later than usual. For premium-quality apples showing 80 to 100 per cent colour coverage, the company fixed a rate of Rs 108 per kg. Extra-small apples will be purchased at Rs 89 per kg, while Pittu (lowest grade) and extra-large apples will fetch Rs 60 per kg.
For apples with 60 to 80 per cent colour, Adani Agri Fresh set Rs 43 per kg for Pittu and extra-large grades, Rs 67 per kg for extra-small apples, and Rs 80 per kg for large, medium, and small grades. The lowest tier — undersized apples — carries a fixed price of Rs 20 per kg.
Funding and Payment Demands
The association appealed to the Central Government to continue the MIS and restore its allocation to at least Rs 1,500 crore, as previously provided. It also pressed for the immediate release of pending MIS funds due to the state. Concurrently, it urged the Himachal Pradesh state government to clear all outstanding MIS payments to apple growers without further delay.
Source: tribuneindia.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
