Farmer unions to stage protest in HP on Sept 13

The apple economy is in deep crisis. Fruit growers must unite against forces manipulating the prices in the market. VIKRAMADITYA SINGH, Congress MLA

Sliding apple rates is not a political issue. It is the moral duty of leaders across political lines to stand for the cause. RAKESH SINGHA, CPI(M) MLA

SHIMLA: Reeling due to the plummeting price of apples in the wholesale market, farmer unions in Himachal Pradesh will stage a statewide protest against the government for failing to protect the interests of apple growers in the state on September 13.

Apples account for around 90% of the state’s horticultural production.

The Samyukt Kisan Manch (SKM), a joint forum of farmers’ organisations, on Monday announced that a statewide protest will be organised on September 13 over the falling prices of apple and the problems being faced by the agrarian community in the state. Should the government fail to take corrective steps, a mega protest will be carried out September 26.

Representatives of around 20 farmer unions along with political leaders cutting across political lines met at the Kalibari Hall in Shimla.

SKM convener Harish Chauhan said that the September 13 protest will be held at block and subdivisional level. “All delegates agreed that the agriculture sector was in crisis. While production cost is steadily increasing, farmers are not getting a reasonable price for their produce, ultimately affecting their livelihood,” said Chauhan.

“Though the numbers of markets have increased, but government agencies like agricultural produce market committees (APMCS) that have been entrusted with the responsibility to protect interest of farmers have failed in their objective,” he said.

The Kisan Morcha also condemned urban development minister Suresh Bhardwaj’ statement at the Parala Market wherein he said that the prices are decided on the basis of demand and supply.