Apple growers submit memo over poor road infra, pending relief

The Apple Growers Association and the Kisan Sabha Lok Kala Committee of Bali Chowki have submitted a memorandum of demands to the SDM in Mandi. The delegation raised concerns related to transportation rates, poor road condition, irregularities in vegetable markets and pending compensation of past disasters.

Om Chand, chief, Apple Growers Association, Bali Chowki, and Mahender Rana, state committee member, Naujawan Kisan Sabha, have “urged the SDM to reintroduce the previous year’s system of freight calculation for apple transportation based on the rate per kilogram per kilometre. The growers argued that transparent and fair transport rates were essential to prevent exploitation by private transporters, especially during the high-demand apple season.”

“It highlights the current state of region’s roads, most of which are either blocked or damaged due to recent heavy rainfall. With the apple season in full swing, the poor condition of roads has become a major concern for farmers and orchardists, who rely on timely and safe transport of their produce to markets,” they said.

“They also pointed out that the APMC Act is not being enforced properly in the local vegetable markets. Due to this regulatory failure, arbitrary and illegal deductions are reportedly being made from the earnings of farmers under the pretext of commissions and miscellaneous charges, thereby affecting their income,” said Mahender Rana.

“The Kisan Sabha unit of Bharsi presented their village-specific issues as well. Several houses in the village had developed cracks, and one cowshed was washed away during the calamity. Affected families are still waiting for their compensation,” he added.

The SDM of Bali Chowki assured the delegation that their demands would be addressed promptly.