Adani starts procuring apples in Himachal

Adani Agri Fresh Ltd (AAFL) has started procuring apples from farmers at their orchards in Himachal Pradesh on rates fixed in eleven slabs, including the highest at Rs 24 per kg. But the farmers are disappointed as the rates are atleast Rs 8 lower than last year.

"Instead of raising the rates the company has reduced them, despite rise in prices of fertilisers and pesticides," Sanjay Chauhan, joint secretary of the Himachal Kisan Sabha told Business Standard.

"The prices of apples will be determined on the basis of the Delhi market and could change every week," said Abhay Pant, general manager of the Adani group.

The price is Rs 24 per kg for the best quality A grade apple having over 75 per cent colour and good shape, while those with 50 to 75 per cent colour are priced Rs 18 a kg. The price of B grade apples is Rs 9 per kg.

Adani Group made its entry into the lucrative apple business last year. In the first phase, Adani has invested over Rs 160 crore to set up cold store units at Mehandli,Rewali and Sainj, all located in Shimla district.

Company officials say these stores are using the latest CAS technology for stopping the ripening and decaying of the fruit.These units have a total storage capacity of 18,000 tonnes.

Last year company procured some 250,000 apple boxes from farmers, which is likely to go up significantly this year.

AAFL has plans for further investments of upto Rs 1,000 crore in the agri business sector of the state.

Gujarat-based Adani Group has a turnover of Rs 20,000 crore and is active in the infratructure, mining, power retail and international trading sectors.