HP: Apple Growers to Hold State-Wide Agitation on July 6
ON July 6, the apple growers of Himachal Pradesh united under the Seb Utpadak Sangh (Apple Growers Association), will stage a protest outside the offices of the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and tehsildar to reaffirm their demands. This decision was made during a state-level convention held at Kalibari Hall in Shimla, which witnessed the participation of representatives from 19 blocks encompassing Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts.
During this convention, Rakesh Singha, former MLA from Theog, emphasized the pressing importance of implementing the APMC Act of 2005, the Legal Metrology Act of 2009, and the Passenger and Goods Tax Act of 1955. These legislative measures play a crucial role in safeguarding growers from any form of exploitation and ensuring they receive the necessary support and benefits they deserve.
Rakesh Singha expressed concerns about the unfair practices carried out by middlemen who engage in fee evasion. He highlighted that at the start of the apple season, prevailing market rates in most markets range from Rs 3000 to 4000 per box. However, many middlemen only pay a fraction of the market fee by falsely declaring half of the actual price. In light of these issues, he firmly insisted on the complete collection of market fees from all intermediaries, including adahtis (middlemen) and others in order to protect the interests of apple growers and prevent financial losses for both the growers and the government.
During the convention, the Seb Utpadak Sangh voiced its opposition to the government's decision to allow apple growers to pack up to 24 kg of apples in a single box. Sohan Thakur, the president of the association, expressed that this decision is impractical and raised concerns regarding its implementation. He demanded that the government should introduce universal cartons instead of telescopic cartons, aiming to promote fairness and transparency in the apple trade.
Furthermore, the apple growers put forth several demands. They emphasized the importance of easing financial burdens on the growers by the exemption of GST on apple packaging material. Additionally, they urged the HPMC (Himachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation) and HIMFED (Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Marketing and Consumers Federation Ltd.) to promptly settle all pending payments owed to the growers.
In a determined stance against the government's indifference, the orchardists have resolved to persevere in their struggle and continue their fight until their demands are fulfilled. The association has decided to organise block-wise conferences in the coming month for enhancing the participation and representation of apple farmers through membership within the association, thereby strengthening their collective voice and influence.
Sab Utpadak Sangh, a key member of the Apple Farmers Federation of India (AFFI), participated in a collective protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on April 4 this year to highlight their demands and draw attention to their cause. Sohan Thakur said that apple farmers from Himachal Pradesh will actively take part in the upcoming regional convention scheduled to be held in Shopian, Kashmir, in July aimed at planning joint struggles.
