Shimla, Dec 9,
The apple economy in Himachal Pradesh is currently at a crossroads, grappling with numerous challenges that threaten its stability and growth. Adding to such woes, became a decision to close a critical World Bank project worth Rs 1050 crore, is a move that has left many stakeholders—especially apple growers—concerned about their future. Despite the project being recognized for its commendable implementation, the government or authorities failure to extend it raises evident questions about commitment to the horticulture sector.
The apple industry is facing mounting pressures from various fronts, including climatic challenges, shifting market dynamics, and the need for industrial development. As young people increasingly turn to horticulture as a livelihood, they face growing insecurity. Without effective intervention from the state and its agencies, this insecurity can devolve into a more profound crisis, leaving a generation disillusioned and economically vulnerable. One of the primary obstacles to sustainable apple production is the decreasing size of land holdings due to stringent forest laws and ongoing eviction drives overseen by the judiciary. This situation has exacerbated tensions regarding land rights, which are affected by India’s longstanding tenancy and agricultural revenue systems. Food security and livelihoods are at stake, leaving small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of the apple economy, in a precarious position.
Also read:150 years of Apple in Himachal: A hillside economic revolution!
Compounding the challenges are issues of corruption within the revenue system and a feudal approach to land governance that often sidelines the interests of smaller farmers. As a result, apple growers are caught in a cycle of uncertainty, facing significant hurdles in maintaining and improving their orchards. The recent retrenchment of approximately 300 scientific project employees and officers due to the project’s closure adds another layer of complexity; these individuals were integral to the success of the horticulture initiative. In light of this, the state government is reportedly considering a renegotiation of the project with the World Bank.
It is essential to note that many key components of the previous project remain unfinished, including the introduction of innovative farming techniques such as utilizing bomber bees and promoting high-yield Geneva series apple root stocks. The previous government’s horticulture ministry displayed a lack of commitment to the project’s completion, diverting focus away from its essential elements, which has now led to a disjointed approach in horticultural development.
As the newly elected Congress government in Himachal Pradesh grapples with the repercussions of the withdrawal from the horticulture development initiative, it finds itself under pressure from various fronts. Farmers’ unions are vocal in their demands for better support for apple growers, who currently face a dual dilemma: an encroachment drive that threatens the integrity of their orchards and a stunted productivity on increasingly fragmented land holdings. The withdrawal of the horticulture development project not only leaves apple growers, or ryots, vulnerable but also creates an urgent problem for a state government already beleaguered by a myriad of issues.
During discussions with Bekzod Shamshiev, the team leader from the World Bank, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi reinforced the state government’s commitment to enhancing support for the horticulture sector. The Minister outlined efforts to provide high-quality plants, improved irrigation facilities, better transportation, marketing, and storage solutions, as well as assuring more favorable prices for crops. An action plan is being considered to proactively address the challenges faced by horticulturists across apple-growing regions.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the Horticulture Development Project is set to broaden its scope to encompass not only horticulture but also agriculture and animal husbandry, promising a more integrated approach to sectors vital for the region’s economy. Shamshiev acknowledged the collaboration between the World Bank and the state government, expressing a determination to resolve pressing issues affecting farmers and horticulturists.
Yet, the future of the apple economy in Himachal Pradesh hangs in the balance. The interplay of environmental challenges, socio-economic pressures, and governance issues requires immediate attention and collaborative efforts to ensure the sustainability of this critical sector. If the state government can effectively navigate these challenges through renewed partnerships and innovative strategies, there is hope for revitalizing the apple industry and securing the livelihoods of countless families who depend on it. Failure to act may result in irrevocable damage not only to the economy but also to the agricultural heritage of the region.
