HP arhtiyas agents refuse to buy apples on kg basis, go on strike

Shimla: Around Rs 5,000-crore apple economy of Himachal Pradesh has hit an obstacle in the middle of season as commission agents have gone on strike, refusing to buy apples according to weight. Growers said apples were not sold in mandis on Thursday and accused the arhtiyas (commission agents) of backing from the agreement.Horticulture minister Jagat Singh Negi said, “The government will not roll back the decision and will take action against the commission agents who will not follow the rules. Apples will be sold on a kg basis. ” He said it was unfair to the growers as the commission agents stopped buying apples from farmers without having discussion with the government. He alleged that a political party was instigating the agents as there was no dissension two days back, when he had convened a meeting of all stakeholders and everyone had put forth their views and. The government had clarified that apples would be sold according to their weight only. “Now, the commission agents have taken a one-sided decision,” he added.Meanwhile, Sanyukt Kisan Manch’s co-convenor Sanjay Chauhan demanded action against commission agents for refusing to buy apples after agreeing to the terms earlier. Manch’s convenor Harish Chauhan said it was an unfortunate development, that the commission agents should go on strike in the middle of the season. When farmers reached mandis to sell their produce in Rohru, Parala, Dhalli and Parwanoo, the commission agents did not buy their produce, he said. Himachal Pradesh Commission Agents Mahasangh president Harish Thakur said it is not possible to sell apples on kg basis as there is not enough space in mandis.