Shimla, July 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for its hasty and unprepared implementation of the Universal Carton Policy. The BJP claims that this sudden policy change has put the state’s Rs 5000 crore apple horticulture economy at risk, leading to resentment among apple growers and stakeholders.
BJP MLA Balbir Verma and party spokesperson Chetan Bragta strongly opposed the universal carton mandate, highlighting the forced removal of the move away from telescopic cartons without adequate preparation. According to Verma and Bragta, the move has forced apple growers to sell their produce in markets outside Himachal Pradesh, disrupting traditional market dynamics, where most apples in July are usually sold within the state.
“The arbitrary order of the horticulture minister has caused widespread distress among horticulturists, commission agents and loaders,” Verma said. “This year, fewer loaders are coming to the state’s markets, and commission agents are considering moving to markets in other states. This situation will result in a huge loss of revenue to the state government.”
Verma accused the Congress government of implementing the Universal Carton System irresponsibly, causing uneasiness and uncertainty among apple growers. He compared this with the previous BJP government, which had established a strong network of markets across the state under the leadership of Horticulture Minister Narendra Bragta. Verma argued that the current government’s negligence is threatening the existence of these markets.
Chetan Bragta emphasised the unfairness of the current apple pricing system under the Universal Carton Policy. “Apples should be sold on the basis of quality, but now they are being sold on the basis of rate with arbitrary deductions of 30%, 20% and 10%. This intolerable decision must be withdrawn. If the anti-horticulture policy is not withdrawn, the BJP will hold a fierce agitation and will not hesitate to take legal recourse if needed,” Bragta warned.
Bragta questioned the logic behind the hasty implementation of the Universal Carton Policy and suggested that the public should carefully consider the decision. He pointed out that former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had allowed a trial period of three years while shifting from wooden boxes to cardboard cartons, indicating that a more gradual approach would have been more appropriate.
The statements of the BJP leaders reflect the growing discontent among apple growers and other stakeholders who fear significant economic losses and disruption to their livelihoods due to the sudden policy change by the state government. The BJP has demanded an immediate review and reversal of the Universal Carton Policy to protect the interests of the state’s apple horticulture industry and avoid further revenue losses for Himachal Pradesh.
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