Shimla, July 19 -- Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh are upbeat as early varieties of the fruit are commanding impressive prices in wholesale markets. With the apple season kicking off early this year, traders at the Dhalli vegetable market in Shimla say farmers are earning between Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per 20-kg box, depending on quality and ripeness.

Roshan Sharma, a local apple grower, said he received Rs 2,000 per box for the early "Spur" variety.

"The early varieties are just beginning to arrive. I got Rs 2,000 for a 20 kg box of Spur variety apples. If people don't bring unripe fruit to the market, quality fruit is getting good prices. Since the universal carton was introduced, rates have improved. The season is expected to last lo...