With the apple harvesting season beginning in Himachal Pradesh, the state government on Tuesday gave approval to implement Government Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for procurement of apple this season.
This scheme will be implemented in the State with effect from July 20, to October 31.
A government statement said the scheme will be implemented for procurement of 1,47,919 M.T. apple for which procurement price will be Rs. 8.00 per kg and handling charges will be Rs. 2.75 per kg, while assumed sale realization will be Rs. 3.50 per kg.
Under the scheme, 279 procurement centres will be opened as per demand of the fruit growers out of which, 162 collection centres will be opened and operated by the HPMC and 117 by the HIMFED by their own staff for which funds amounting to Rs. 258.46 lakh (Rs. 152.28 lakh for HPMC and Rs. 106.18 lakh for HIMFED) will be provided by the government.
The fruits would be procured in 35 kg gunny bags with 2.5 percent more fruits in view of evapo -transpiration and respiration losses.
Only apple having diameter above 51 mm will be procured and accepted under the scheme. Fruit having punctured skin or bird eaten or damaged would not be accepted. Fruit infested with insects or pests and fungal diseases would also not be accepted.
