Chairing a meeting regarding preparations for the apple season with stakeholders here, the Minister said the state is famous for apple production which contributes significantly to its economy.
Keeping in mind the importance of apple season, universal carton will be used to benefit all the stakeholders.
He said that the sale of apples by weight (kilogram) was started last year to fulfill the promise made by the government to apple growers.
He also stressed on registration and licensing of fruit traders and timely payment to fruit growers.
Negi directed the Shimla administration to ensure availability of trucks and pickup vehicles to transport fruit boxes as per demand, besides fixing freight charges on kilogram and kilometer basis for transportation of apples.
A main control room has been set up at Fagu and he directed the police to ensure traffic management and maintenance of law and order during the apple season starting in July.
During the meeting, Public Works Department and National Highway Authority of India were directed for proper maintenance of roads connecting fruit growing areas to terminal markets and timely restoration of roads disrupted by heavy rains and landslides.
Climate change has virtually made Himachal Pradesh's Rs 5,000 crore fruit economy subject to the weather.
Apple growers say their business, which alone accounts for 89 percent of the total fruit economy, is not as fruitful as it used to be a decade ago as climate trends impact its overall production.
Keeping in mind the importance of apple season, universal carton will be used to benefit all the stakeholders.
He said that the sale of apples by weight (kilogram) was started last year to fulfill the promise made by the government to apple growers.
He also stressed on registration and licensing of fruit traders and timely payment to fruit growers.
Negi directed the Shimla administration to ensure availability of trucks and pickup vehicles to transport fruit boxes as per demand, besides fixing freight charges on kilogram and kilometer basis for transportation of apples.
A main control room has been set up at Fagu and he directed the police to ensure traffic management and maintenance of law and order during the apple season starting in July.
During the meeting, Public Works Department and National Highway Authority of India were directed for proper maintenance of roads connecting fruit growing areas to terminal markets and timely restoration of roads disrupted by heavy rains and landslides.
Climate change has virtually made Himachal Pradesh's Rs 5,000 crore fruit economy subject to the weather.
Apple growers say their business, which alone accounts for 89 percent of the total fruit economy, is not as fruitful as it used to be a decade ago as climate trends impact its overall production.
