The procurement of apples by private firms in Himachal Pradesh has affected supply in the local markets here.

Traders say there is a slump of around 20-30 per cent as compared to last year. This has caused a hike in the prices of the apples. Arhtiyas selling apples in the wholesale market say there is a hike of Rs 20-30.

While the production doubled this year, the quantity of apples of large size, which are usually sold in Punjab, remained lower than the