A high-level meeting was held on Thursday between apple growers' associations and Himachal Pradesh's Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi to discuss key issues affecting the horticulture sector.
The meeting came in the backdrop of Supreme Court directions and the ongoing agrarian crisis in the state. Discussions focused on land rights, fungal diseases damaging crops, and market crashes caused by early harvesting.
Farmers also raised the issue of US tariffs on Indian apples, urging the Central Government to step in and find a solution.
After the meeting, Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Joint Farmers' Forum (Sanyukt Kisan Manch), said that the talks with the minister were positive. He also confirmed that a massive statewide protest will be held on August 13 to raise farmer concerns across Himachal Pradesh.
"Today, the Horticulture Minister convened a meeting with various farmer organisations to discuss the Supreme Court's stay on the felling of trees and the implications of that decision. The focus was on the legal stand Himachal Pradesh took in the Supreme Court and its impact on land classified as 'Shamlat land', land on which farmers held traditional rights since the time of the kings, the British era, and up until the 1952 notification," he added.
"In 1980, after the Forest Conservation Act was enacted, such lands were reclassified as forest land. This led to immense hardship for small and landless farmers. The state no longer holds a land bank to distribute land for rehabilitation or development. The right to do so now lie with the Central Government," said Chauhan.
"Today's meeting emphasised the urgent need to reclaim the rights over Shamlat lands, which do not have forest cover, so they can be restored for public use. People who lost homes and orchards in recent calamities need land for rebuilding. The Himachal Government has resolved to present its case forcefully before the Supreme Court and also persuade the Centre for necessary relaxations," he added.
"Due to an earlier Himachal High Court order regarding land encroachment, several orchards were hurriedly cleared. As a result, premature fruits flooded the market, causing a crash. We urge growers to be patient. Consumers are aware of Himachal's superior quality. If we flood markets with immature apples, our prices collapse," he said.
"We appeal to farmers to harvest carefully and send only mature fruit. Let us not rush. There is global recognition of Himachal's five-colour strains and premium varieties like Royal Delicious, which take 130 days to mature," he added, appealing to farmers. Chauhan also raised concerns over the anticipated arrival of imported apples.
"With the ongoing conflict in Iran, there might be reduced apple imports. Indian consumers are already preferring domestic produce. We must ensure our apples reach the market at the right time and quality to gain fair returns," he said.
Seek a firm stand on US tariff threat
Apple growers have strongly opposed the possibility of higher US tariffs on Indian apples. Farmer leaders said that India must stand firm and protect the interests of its growers in international trade.
‘The US, under Trump and even now, has been threatening countries like China, Brazil, and the Philippines with 50% tariffs. India, too, faces such coercion. We urge the Indian Government to respond strongly. We are a country of 1.4 billion consumers, our market is our strength. US goods cannot enter our country on their terms,” he said.
Chauhan added, “In 2018, when the U.S. increased import duties on steel and aluminium, India responded by imposing a 75% duty on apples among 28 other items. Now again, the Centre must show resolve. Prime Minister Modi's 56-inch chest should reflect in protecting apple growers and local industries. We must not bow to American trade bullying.”
Former MLA calls for legal, political action
Rakesh Singha, former MLA and Convener of the Apple Federation of India, said the current crisis is a result of decades of government neglect, going back to the 1980s.
"This is not just about apple growers. It's about farmers' rights, economic justice, and Himachal's future. Each block of the state will witness demonstrations. We are fighting for the rights of every disaster-affected person, every grower, and every citizen," said Rakesh Singha.
The apple sector, which is the backbone of Himachal’s economy, is under serious pressure. Growers are struggling with climatic disasters, land-related legal issues, unfair market practices, and international trade threats. With farmer groups coming together, the August 13 protest is expected to be a key moment in the ongoing fight for their rights.
Follow us
