The HPMC has commissioned imported computerised Apple Packing/Grading lines at Oddi (Kumarsain) and Jarol-Tikkar and Controlled Atmosphre Store at Jarol-Tikkar (Kotgarh) in district Shimla and the facilities will be made functional from this apple season to the growers of the area.
Managing Director, of the HPMC, Madan Chauhan, stated that Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal will inaugurate the Apple Packing/Grading lines on 30th July, 2012 and make these facilities available to the farmers.
He said that Apple Packing line commissioned at Oddi is of UNITECH of Italy costing Rs. 163.12 lakh with packing capacity of four lacs apple boxes in apple season whereas the apple packing line at Jarol Tikkar is of GREEFA of Netherlands costing Rs. 163.12 lakh with similar capacity. Both these machines are having the facility of size, colour, weight grading besides waxing facility as per the international standards. Besides this Controlled Atmosphere store with storage capacity of about 35,000 apple boxes alongwith Refrigerated Van facility costing Rs. 503 lakh at Jarol Tikkar are ready for storage and transportation of apple.
He further informed that high tech facilities are being made available to the farmers of the State for the first time with the objective to standardise their product on international standard which will not only help them to compete with imported apple and getting better returns from the market but will help of export of apples. This will revolutionise the horticulture sector in Himachal Pradesh.
