The state's Fruit and Vegetable Producers Mahasangh today rejected the procurement price of apple (Rs 5.25) announced by the government in view of the increasing costs of inputs like fertiliser, chemicals, freight and packing material. In a statement issued here today, convener of the mahasangh Ravinder Chauhan said there was an increase in the prices of fertilisers and freight and hence, the procurement price of Rs 5.25 was not profitable to the growers. "We urge the government to make available fertilisers and chemicals in sufficient quantities as epidemics like leaf fall, scab and scale spread in apple orchards,' Chauhan said. He said the government should ensure that trucks were available during the peak season. "The freight of trucks must be fixed on the basis of weight and distance, as it is the practice followed everywhere for lifting essential goods,' he said. He added that approved and printed rate lists must be displayed to avoid overcharging. The growers lamented that they were facing problem in getting empty cartons and trays. "Cartons and trays are of inferior quality and their price is almost Rs 15 higher than the last year's price.' they rued.