Illegal Apple nurseries on Government radar as Horticulture dept orders crackdown; MIS payment tweaks add to growers’ woes
Apple in Kinnaur photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Jan 12,
The Himachal Pradesh government has tightened its scrutiny of uncertified apple nurseries following reports that spurious and unregistered planting material is being sold to growers, largely through social media platforms. The Directorate of Horticulture has directed field officers to initiate strict action against violators of nursery registration norms, terming the practice a serious threat to the state’s apple economy.
In an official communication, Dr B.S. Negi, Senior Plant Protection Officer, Directorate of Horticulture, flagged the growing trend of illegal advertisements on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, where apple and other fruit plants are being promoted and sold without mandatory registration or licensing. These activities, the department noted, violate the Himachal Pradesh Fruit Nurseries Registration and Regulation Act, 2015, and the Rules framed in 2020.
Dr Negi has instructed the Deputy Director of Horticulture, District Shimla, to verify the authenticity of such advertisements and ascertain whether uncertified planting material is being propagated and sold. The communication reiterates that no individual or entity is permitted to produce or sell nursery plants without registration with the competent authority, nor is the use of unregistered budwood for propagation allowed.
Horticulture officials have cautioned that uncertified apple plants frequently lead to weak growth, higher susceptibility to diseases, and poor yields. Given that apple orchards take several years to reach bearing stage, farmers often realise they have been cheated only after making substantial investments in land preparation, labour, and agricultural inputs—by which time recovery becomes difficult.
At the same time, apple growers are grappling with payment-related concerns under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). In a separate order issued for the 2025 season under the authority of the Managing Director, HPMC Ltd., the procedure for MIS payments has been partially revised. As per the new directions, revenue records will now be collected only from farmers who submit receipts exceeding 100 apple boxes, while other conditions of payment will remain unchanged.
Farmers’ organisations have welcomed the move to act against illegal nurseries but have urged the government to ensure strict on-ground enforcement, wider awareness campaigns among growers, and smoother MIS payment mechanisms. They warned that unchecked sale of fake planting material and delays or confusion in payments could collectively weaken Himachal Pradesh’s apple sector, which remains a backbone of the state’s rural economy.
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