Himachal Pradesh: Farmers warn of massive stir in Shimla on August 5

SHIMLA: Hundreds of farmers under the banner of Sanyukt Kisan Manch held a protest demonstration against the state government for failing to protect the interests of apple growers thus posing threat to the Rs 5,500 crore apple economy.


To oppose the policies of state government, demonstrations were held in Rohru, Theog, Kotkhai, Narkanda, Rampur in Shimla district; Nirmand and Ani in Kullu district beside Kinnaur and Mandi districts.

The Sanyukt Kisan Manch has decided that against the “anti-farmer policies” of the government, a massive demonstration would be held outside the state secretariat in Shimla on August 5.

Anger of apple growers could prove dear to ruling party as assembly elections are going to be held in the state in the next four months.

Sanyukt Kisan Manch convener, Harish Chauhan, said that due to its wrong policies, the state government is increasing the cost of production by imposing tax on the farmers and apple growers and they are not getting the proper price for their produce.

He said their main demands include immediate withdrawal of increased GST on cartons that was increased from 12% to 18% and to provide subsidy on fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, cartons, trays and other cost items. He said they are demanding to implement Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) on the lines of Kashmir.

He said that under MIS, support price of Rs 60 per kg for A grade apple, Rs 44 per kg for B grade apple and Rs 24 per kg for C grade apple should be provided and to make pending payment of apple procured by HPMC and HIMFED. He said that APMC act should be implemented strictly in the state.

During the protest, all the organizations have called together that if the government does not immediately implement the demands of the farmers, then this agitation will continue till the government does not implement their demands.

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