Adani Agri Fresh is set to begin procuring cherries in the upper Shimla region from the current season, with operations likely to commence after May 15. The procurement framework, including pricing, is expected to be finalised shortly by a joint committee of growers and company representatives.
According to Deepak Singha, president of the Stone Fruit Growers Association, both sides recently agreed on initiating procurement at competitive rates from mid-May. Growers see the move as potentially transformative, provided it ensures remunerative pricing.
The development comes against the backdrop of inadequate post-harvest infrastructure for cherries, a highly perishable crop that requires hydro-cooling, efficient cold-chain logistics, and reliable market linkages. At present, such facilities are scarce in the region, with only one hydro-cooling chamber available at the Controlled Atmosphere (CA) store in Jarol Tikkar.
In the absence of robust infrastructure, growers have been compelled to transport cherries overnight in small pickup trucks to Delhi mandis. This method is both expensive and unreliable, often affecting fruit quality and limiting market access. The short shelf life of cherries further restricts growers from tapping into distant markets, impacting their earnings.
Under the proposed arrangement, the company will collect produce directly from orchards and transport it to the hydro-cooling facility within three to four hours. Post cooling, the fruit can be shipped to markets beyond Delhi, significantly extending its shelf life and improving price realisation.
However, concerns remain over the efficiency of the hydro-cooling plant at Jarol Tikkar. Owned by the Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC), the facility’s dryer is reportedly underperforming. Officials have assured growers that the issue is being addressed, with repairs expected ahead of the procurement season.
If executed effectively, the initiative could streamline logistics, reduce post-harvest losses, and open new market avenues for cherry growers in the region.
Source : Tribuneindia
