More than 1.95 crore apple boxes exported to markets

PTI

More than 1.95 crore apple boxes had been exported so far to various markets through 43,327 trucks from the State while 15,255 tonnes of apple was procured under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) by HPMC and HIMFED till date through 277 collection centres, a spokesman of state Horticulture Department said.

Apple production in Himachal is expected to be lower at around 2-crore standard boxes this year against 2.90 crore boxes last year.

The production was less this year due to insufficient snowfall and lesser cooling days, essential for good crop.

The production was the lowest in 2011 when only 1.37 crore boxes were exported while it was highest at 4.46 crore in 2010 while second highest production during the period was recorded with the production of over 3.88 crore boxes.

The apple marketing season is coming to an end and juicy Kinnauri apple which come into market in the month of October is fetching handsome returns between Rs 2,700 and Rs 3,200 per box.