Himachal Pradesh apple to go online

SHIMLA: With Covid-19 pandemic set to cast its shadow on the ensuing apple season in Himachal Pradesh by affecting the arrival of buyers from various parts of the country, the state government has decided to sell the produce online as well.
Besides, facing the challenge of finding buyers, shortage of labourers is another reason of worry for the farmers. Amid all this, the state government has started to arrange transportation facility and packaging material to send the produce to markets.
The government is also making arrangements for longterm storage of the produce in compressed atmospheric (CA) stores, just in case the market conditions are not favourable.
Official sources said this time, the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) has started the process to conduct online auction through e-Nam portal, so that buyers from markets like Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai do not have to necessarily visit the state.
Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said proper arrangements for packing and marketing of fruits and vegetables will be made and the government will also ensure that farmers and horticulturist do not face any inconvenience.
A delegation of farmers and horticulturist from Shimla district, led by education minister Suresh Bhardwaj, had called on CM on Saturday for this.