Shimla, Feb 6,
Hopes of thousands of apple growers in Himachal Pradesh were crushed once again as the Union Budget failed to announce an increase in import duty on foreign apples.
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Farmers, who have been demanding a hike in duty from 50% to 100% for years, were left disappointed as the government ignored their plea. The lack of any relief package for horticulturists and the failure to reduce GST on agricultural equipment has only added to their woes.
Apples are imported into India from 44 countries, but the biggest challenge for Himachali apple growers comes from imports from Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan. These countries benefit from SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) agreements, allowing their apples to enter Indian markets with minimal duties. As a result, foreign apples are sold at lower prices, making it difficult for Himachali growers to compete. This has led to declining profits for local orchardists, who are struggling with rising costs of production, packaging, and transportation.
Lokendra Singh Bisht, President of the Progressive Growers Association, expressed deep disappointment over the budget. “Once again, the government has turned a blind eye to our demands. We were expecting an increase in the import duty and a minimum import price to safeguard Indian apple farmers. But nothing has been done,” he said.
Harish Chauhan, convener of the Joint Kisan Manch, echoed similar concerns. “The central government has failed to address the plight of horticulturists in hilly states. The increase in the Kisan Credit Card limit to ₹5 lakh is welcome, but without subsidies on agricultural equipment and fertilizers, it will only lead to increased debt for farmers,” he remarked. The failure to restart the Mandi Mediation Scheme has also added to their troubles.
Anger against the budget was not limited to apple growers. A massive protest was held in Shimla by various farmer organizations and left-leaning workers’ unions, who accused the government of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of farmers and laborers.
At the protest, activists burned copies of the Union Budget, calling it “anti-farmer and anti-worker.” The demonstration was led by CITU State President Vijendra Mehra, along with key leaders including Kuldip Dogra, Balak Ram, and Prem Gautam. They condemned the government for failing to increase wages, ignoring demands for a fixed minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, and neglecting social welfare schemes.
“This government only works for the rich. While corporate loans are being waived off, farmers are forced to take more loans just to survive. The privatization of public sector enterprises, including banks, insurance, transport, and even defense industries, is a clear indication that the government is selling the country’s assets to the highest bidder,” said Vijendra Mehra.
The protesters also criticized the government’s decision to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100%, calling it a move that benefits large corporations at the cost of public welfare. “This budget is nothing but *India on Sale*,” one protester shouted. “Essential services are being privatized, and labor laws are being diluted to benefit big business houses. Workers are now expected to work 12-hour shifts, while real wages have fallen below pre-pandemic levels.”
The protest leaders announced a large-scale demonstration planned for March 2025, which will see participation from workers across multiple sectors, including Anganwadi, Mid-Day Meal, MGNREGA, hydro projects, and transport.
For apple growers, the budget has dashed all hopes of protection against cheap foreign imports. With production costs soaring and profits shrinking, many fear they will be forced to abandon apple farming altogether. “If the government does not take action soon, apple farming in Himachal will become unsustainable,” warned Lokendra Singh Bisht.
Farmers now plan to intensify their protests, demanding that the government take immediate steps to safeguard their livelihood. As anger spreads across the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, the ruling party may find itself facing growing resentment from one of its most crucial voter bases.
