Himachal Pradesh which is also called the fruit bowl of India, is currently exporting apple crops to different markets as the apple production is back bone of the hill economy. Sub Division Magistrate Shimla, Mr. G.C Negi said that till today 1.45 crore boxes of apple have been exported to different markets of the country.
He said that control rooms set up at different parts of the state recorded transportation of 1,45, 45, 284 boxes. He said that as many as 26804 trucks and 41147 pick ups loaded with the apple headed to the market. District administration had issued the identity cards to 18,175 truck drivers and conductors.
Reports said that apple season is lean this years and it had already crossed half mark. Shimla is leading district of apple grower in the State however Apple also being produced at Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti and Chamba district, but compared to Shimla production of apple, it is negligible in other districts. About two lakh family members of farmers depend up on the production of apple for their livelihood as apple contribute about 16 percent of state GDP.
