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New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Sharp decline in yield as mysterious fungal infection hits apple crops in Himachal Pradesh
CHANDIGARH: The torrential rains and the harsh weather have impacted the apple industry of the state as a severe fungal disease has hit the apple plants, causing apple leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely, leading to a sharp decline in yield. It is estimated that around 35 to 40 per cent of apple trees in each orchard are affected. The size and quality of the fruit are likely to be impacted. After Kashmir, the hill state is the second largest producer of apples in the country, with a substantial market share of around 25 per cent. The apple industry in the state amounts to Rs 5,000 crore. Talking to TNIE, Harish Chauhan, a leading apple grower and the convener of the Kisan Samyukt Manch, said, "The teams of experts from the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni will assess the damage and check which fungal infection has hit the apple crop." "The teams are visiting today and tomorrow at different apple orchards, but we estimate that around 35 to 40 per cent apple trees in each orchard are affected by the fungal infection," he added.
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Himachal: Apple growers welcome Centre's decision to increase Minimum Import Price
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 5 (ANI): Apple growers across Himachal Pradesh on Saturday welcomed the Centre's recent decision to increase the Minimum Import Price (MIP) for imported apples from Rs 50 per kg to Rs 80 per kg. While the move was seen as a positive step to safeguard domestic apple farmers from cheaper imports, especially from Iran and Turkey, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of its implementation on the ground. However, several farmer leaders warned that mere announcements without strict enforcement could render the move ineffective. While speaking to ANI, Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch, said, 'Increasing the MIP to Rs 80 per kg is a welcome step by the Govt of India.' 'We have not received a notification yet, but if this step has been taken, it is welcome. But the bigger thing is whether it will be implemented on the ground,' he added. Chauhan pointed out that in 2023-24, the Centre had announced an MIP of Rs 50 per kg for imported apples. Despite this, Iranian apples landed in India at Rs 41 per kg and Turkish apples at Rs 58 per kg, raising doubts over whether the price control was correctly enforced. 'If the MIP of Rs 50 per kg were implemented on the ground at that time, they would have landed in India at the rate of Rs 85-90 per kg,' Chauhan explained. The Sanyukt Kisan Manch has urged the government to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of the revised MIP. The group also raised concerns about the upcoming July 9 deadline for reciprocal tariff decisions under the Trump-era trade policies, which may result in zero import duty on agricultural inputs. 'If that happens, we won't benefit from the zero import duty,' Chauhan cautioned. 'We will benefit only if the import duty is 50% and MIP is Rs 80 per kg, and the same is implemented on the ground. Then apples would land at Rs 135-140 per kg in India,' he later added. (ANI)
India Gazette
17-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
NITI Aayog's suggestion on tariff-free US apple import is death warrant for Indian growers: HP farmers
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 17 (ANI): A major uproar has erupted among apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir following a recommendation by NITI Aayog to the central government to either significantly reduce or completely abolish import duties on agricultural produce from the United States, including apples and nuts. Farmers' groups in the Himalayan states are furious, calling the suggestion an existential threat to their livelihoods. Harish Chauhan, convener of the Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch, in a conversation with ANI, issued a sharp warning and said that it will be a death warrant for apple growers. 'If the central government accepts this recommendation, it will be nothing less than a death warrant for apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir,' he said. He confirmed that NITI Aayog submitted a report to the Union government two days ago, urging the removal of import tariffs on several agricultural commodities imported from the United States. These include chickpeas, pulses, apples, almonds, and walnuts. 'NITI Aayog has recommended that India should move toward free trade in these items as it would allegedly benefit the country. We strongly oppose this proposal. Apple producers from Himachal, along with growers from Kashmir and Uttarakhand, outright reject it,' said Chauhan. He added that importing Washington apples from the US already impacts the premium market for Indian apples. 'These imported apples directly undercut the premium price segment that our farmers depend on. Similarly, the almond and walnut markets of Kashmir are also affected. We reject the NITI Aayog recommendation in the strongest terms,' he said. The controversy gains further significance in light of the July 9 deadline, a three-month window granted by US President Donald Trump, concerning tariff adjustments between the two countries. Chauhan stated that this window is about to expire, and the Indian government must clearly explain what kind of negotiations it has conducted with the US regarding farmers' interests. 'We have received information suggesting that there is a plan to either reduce the import duty on apples to 15% or scrap it altogether. If that happens, horticulture and fruit production in all three states will be devastated,' Chauhan said. He urged the central government to resist pressure from the US in the ongoing trade discussions, emphasising that there is a need to relax farm produce and farmers should not be burdened. 'If changes must be made in trade agreements, they should focus on industrial goods like Tesla cars or Harley-Davidson motorcycles, not on agricultural and horticultural items like almonds, walnuts, pulses, poultry, and dairy. These shouldn't be sacrificed in the name of trade.' He added. Chauhan warned that if the government proceeds with this move, farmers across the country, not just in Himachal, will be forced to rise in protest. Referring to recent diplomatic visits, Chauhan expressed concern that the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India and the return visit by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to the US may have involved negotiations that ignore the interests of Indian farmers. 'If Donald Trump's suggestion is accepted and NITI Aayog's recommendations are implemented, it will amount to a death sentence for us,' Chauhan stated bluntly. He further criticised the policy think tank, questioning its intent and understanding of the rural agricultural economy. 'NITI Aayog claims to formulate national policies. But what kind of policy is this one blind to the realities of Indian farmers and gardeners? Is it trying to strangle the livelihoods of 70% of India's population? Are we expected to be sacrificed on the altar of trade deals? We categorically reject this,' he said. The issue will likely snowball in the coming days, with farmer unions threatening statewide and national-level protests if the government proceeds with any tariff relaxations that affect Indian agricultural imports. (ANI)
United News of India
16-06-2025
- United News of India
Shimla dist. expects record 1.63 crore apple boxes this season
Shimla, June 16 (UNI) Shimla district is heading towards a bumper apple harvest this season, with an estimated production of 1.63 crore apple boxes. Last year, the district had produced 1.62 crore 56 thousand boxes, yielding 3,25,137 metric tonnes of apples. Given the favourable weather conditions and improved orchard health, the yield is likely to surpass last year's figures. To ensure a smooth and organized apple season, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap chaired a high-level meeting at Bachat Bhawan auditorium on Monday. Detailed discussions were held with officials from horticulture, agriculture, transport, PWD, police, and APMC to ensure that arrangements are in place for transportation, road maintenance, parking, packaging materials, and inter-departmental coordination. The deputy commissioner directed the Public Works Department and National Highways Authority to complete road repair and maintenance work on a priority basis. He emphasized that uninterrupted power supply must be ensured by the Electricity Board, especially in high-yield orchard areas. To facilitate better management, five control rooms will be operational from July 15 at Fagu (main center), Balg, Shoghi, Gumma, and Kuddu. These centres will be equipped with telecommunication facilities, CCTV cameras, and staffed by SDM-appointed personnel. Adequate police deployment will also be ensured to manage traffic and safety. Strict instructions have been issued to prevent overloading of vehicles, with violators facing legal action. Apple-laden trucks will not be permitted to enter Shimla city and will be rerouted through the Dhalli-Mehli bypass. Additionally, trailers will not be allowed on the Theog-Shimla route between 5 am and 9:30 pm, while empty pickups will use the Bekhalti road. The deputy commissioner also directed all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to fix freight rates based on road condition, fuel prices, and box load. These rates must be publicly displayed at control rooms and mandis. Any instances of overcharging will be dealt with strictly. To protect growers from fraud, licenses to commission agents will be issued only after proper verification by APMC and the Agriculture Department. Identity cards will also be mandatory for drivers and cleaners, with registration fees set at ₹200 for pickups, ₹500 for six-wheelers, and ₹1000 for trailers. Meanwhile, fruit mandis will be regularly inspected by SDMs, horticulture officers, and APMC officials to ensure cleanliness, drinking water supply, and toilets. However, Harish Chauhan, convenor of the Himachal Pradesh Apple Growers' Association, criticised the government for issuing a notification restricting apple sales at the orchard level, despite the APMC Act recognising the entire state as one unified market. 'This move will increase transportation costs and commissions for the buyer. The government should focus on registering genuine buyers and commission agents. If someone defaults, the state must take responsibility,' Chauhan said. 'There's no harm if growers receive their payment directly before their produce even leaves the orchard,' Chauhan said. With increased yield expectations and coordinated administrative efforts, Shimla is poised for a productive apple season this year. UNI ML PRS
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Himachal apple farmers demand complete ban on Turkish imports citing support to Pakistan
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 20 (ANI): Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh have demanded a complete ban on the import of Turkish apples into India, citing Turkey's political stance during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. A joint delegation of fruit growers and farmers, led by Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch Convener Harish Chauhan, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and President through the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to ANI, Chauhan expressed deep anger over Turkey's support to Pakistan, particularly during Operation Sindoor. 'Turkey is an ally of our enemy nation. It supported Pakistan during a critical time when India was fighting against Pakistan. At the same time, back in February 2023, when a devastating earthquake hit Turkey, the Government of India helped them on humanitarian grounds. In return, Turkey stabbed us in the back by aiding Pakistan,' he said.' Chauhan said Turkey currently tops the list of countries exporting apples to India, a trend he claims is hurting local growers. 'The farmers of Himachal, especially those in the apple belt, are the worst affected. That is why we are demanding a complete ban and boycott of all Turkish apple imports into India,' he said. The delegation pointed out that India spends between Rs800 to Rs1,000 crore annually on apple imports, with a significant chunk going to Turkey. 'We must strike at the economic roots of enemy-supporting nations like Turkey. If we stop importing Turkish apples, it will break their economic backbone while benefiting our own farmers,' Chauhan added. He said the Governor assured the delegation that their memorandum would be forwarded to the Prime Minister and President. Chauhan also thanked farmer groups and traders across Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, who have pledged to boycott Turkish apples. 'Through the media, I want to thank the people of India, traders, and farmer groups who have taken a vow not to eat or buy Turkish apples. 140 crore Indians have decided not to consume these apples, and that sends a powerful message,' he said. The delegation also urged the central government not to reduce import duties on apples, highlighting past lobbying efforts by Turkey and the United States for zero duty. 'If the government reduces import duty on apples, it will be nothing short of a death warrant for farmers in Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand,' Chauhan said. He called for the minimum import price (MIP) to be raised to at least Rs100 per kg and for higher import duties on apples from all countries, including Iran, to protect domestic growers. 'This is our demand, and we hope the Indian government takes swift action in the interest of our farmers,' he said. The farmers' strong demand to ban Turkish apple imports highlights their determination to protect local livelihoods and send a clear message against foreign support to adversaries. (ANI)
