In Himachal Pradesh, apple growers are facing difficulties due to a decrease in apple prices, with Chetan Bragta, the BJP state spokesperson, voicing concerns over the state government's handling of the situation. Bragta has criticized the Congress-led government for not addressing the needs of the apple growers, leading to unfavorable market conditions. He claims that the lack of regulation by the state government and the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) has resulted in apples being sold at reduced prices in mandis, suggesting a potential for collusion in the market.
Bragta highlighted the unusual drop in apple prices, with reductions ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 in just two days, a situation he described as unprecedented and alarming. He called for immediate government action to ensure fair pricing for orchardists. The silence of Congress ministers and MLAs from apple-producing regions has also been noted by Bragta, who questions their inaction in the face of declining apple production and the challenges faced by orchardists. He recalled the Congress party's election promise to allow orchardists a say in setting fruit prices, questioning its current absence.
Furthermore, Bragta accused the Congress of misleading farmers and orchardists, contrasting this with the efforts of the previous BJP government led by former Horticulture Minister Narendra Bragta, who was praised for his contributions to the horticulture sector. These actions, according to Bragta, have not gone unnoticed by the community.
Source: freshplaza.com