Shimla, June 12 -- Horticulture Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday chaired a key review meeting with the Horticulture Department and senior officials to discuss preparations for the upcoming apple season. Speaking to reporters after the meeting in Shimla, Negi said that the government would strictly enforce universal carton packaging norms this year to ensure fair returns for fruit growers and prevent exploitation by middlemen.

"Last year, we introduced the policy of selling apples based on weight using universal cartons. A law was also made to support this. This year, we have decided that the rule will be enforced with full authority so that farmers do not suffer losses and get fair prices for their produce," Neg...