Himachal’s Orchard Crisis: Small Growers Frozen Out by Cold Storage Costs
Himachal Pradesh’s apple and other fruit growers, particularly smallholders, are facing a severe challenge: the prohibitive cost of cold storage (CA) facilities. Many lack the financial resources to utilize large-scale CA stores.
The immediate need for cash to meet daily expenses further complicates matters. Filling the large chambers to capacity proves impossible for most small growers. Collaboration amongst them, crucial for efficient CA usage, remains a significant hurdle.
This situation threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers and impacts the state’s economy. The state government could significantly alleviate this problem by actively promoting the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS).
Furthermore, encouraging the development of smaller, locally managed CA stores tailored to the needs of small-scale growers could offer a more accessible and financially viable solution. Urgent intervention is needed to prevent widespread losses and safeguard Himachal’s vibrant fruit industry. The success of this initiative will directly impact the economic stability of thousands of farming families across the state.
