Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, people across various sectors in Himachal Pradesh are hopeful that the Centre will provide relief and policy support, while apple growers have raised concerns over repeated cuts in import duty on apples under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
While tourism operators and youth are hopeful that the budget will bring focused measures to revive development and employment, apple farmers feel there is little chance that their concerns will be addressed. They believe that the reduction of import duties on foreign apples has badly affected the state’s apple-based economy.
Apple grower Nirmal Chander Negi from Kinnaur district said, “I do not expect anything farmer-friendly in this budget from the Modi government. Whenever we raise the issue of support prices for Himachal apples, the Centre allows more imports from abroad, which is unfair to local orchardists.”
Negi said that although the Himachal Pradesh government introduced universal carton packaging, which proved helpful, the decrease in import duty on foreign apples has seriously harmed local farmers.
“The Centre has reduced import duty on foreign apples by 25 per cent. Apples are imported from abroad, but local growers are unable to secure fair prices despite their hard work. Ten years ago, an apple box fetched Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800, and even today it is almost the same, while everything else has become ten times costlier,” he added. “Farmers in Himachal have very little hope from this Union Budget,” he further said.
Tourism stakeholders, however, are expecting special budget provisions to improve infrastructure and help revive businesses that suffered heavy losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vijay Kumar Dhiman, a Shimla-based travel agent, told ANI, “When tourism performs well in Himachal, our business also grows. After COVID-19, our business was almost destroyed. There should be a special package to develop infrastructure at tourist destinations.”
He urged the Centre to pay special attention to Himachal Pradesh, saying, “The central government should give Himachal a strong package so that tourism improves and employment opportunities increase. Our livelihood mainly depends on hotels, and more tourists mean better income for everyone. Tourists should leave satisfied so that they recommend Himachal to others.”
Youngsters of Himachal Pradesh are also looking towards the Union Budget with hopes of tax relaxation, job opportunities, and protection for the apple-based economy.
Local youth Ankush Verma said, “Himachal depends heavily on apples. Free Trade Agreements with other countries should not harm our farmers. Import duties on apples have been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent and even 20 per cent in some cases, which directly impacts our economy.”
He said, "Despite having degrees, many graduates and postgraduates are unable to find jobs matching their qualifications. Education and employment need to be aligned."
Verma also suggested that entrepreneurs from outside should be encouraged to hire and train local youth.
“Outside and foreign investors should be required to give preference to local people so that employment is generated within the state. This is what we expect from the budget,” he said.
As the Union Budget draws closer, expectations across Himachal Pradesh remain mixed. Farmers want urgent changes in import duty policies, while tourism stakeholders and youth hope for focused support to revive the hill state’s economy.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey for the 2025–26 financial year in Parliament on Thursday, paving the way for the Union Budget, which will be presented on Sunday, February 1.
This year, the Budget will be presented on a weekend. Sitharaman is set to present her record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, marking an important milestone in India’s parliamentary and economic history.
The Budget session will have 30 sittings spread over 65 days and will conclude on April 2. Both Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and will reconvene on March 9, allowing Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.
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