Demands not met, growers ‘disappointed’

he Budget has left apple growers disappointed. Their long-standing demand for increasing the import duty on apple from the existing 50 per cent 100 per cent has remained unaddressed this time as well. The other major demands, including raising the Minimum Import Price from Rs 50 to Rs 100, a proper allocation of budget for Market Intervention Scheme and reduction of GST to the lowest slab on farm inputs have found no mention in the Budget.

“The only positive for the fruit growers in the Budget is the enhancement of Kisan Credit Card limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The decision to launch a comprehensive project with state governments to increase horticulture produce sounds promising but a lot will depend on its implementation. Overall, the Budget offers nothing to the growers,” said Lokinder Bisht, president of Progressive Growers Association.

Pointing out that the around Rs 5,000 crore apple economy of the state was passing through one of its worst phases due to climate change, skyrocketing input costs and cheap imported apples, the apple growers feel that some assistance from the Centre would have gone a long way in keeping the apple cultivation viable.

“For the last three to four years, we have had minimal rain and snow in the winters. It’s now not only affecting the production but plants have also started drying up on a large scale. The Centre should have offered some package or relief to help the growers tide over this difficult phase,” said Dimple Panjta, president of the Himalayan Society for Horticulture and Agriculture Development.

Deepak Singha, president of the Stone Fruit Growers Association, said the apple cultivation is on the verge of becoming unviable for growers having orchards at an altitude of less than 6,500 to 7,000 feet. “While weather has become non-conducive for apple cultivation at lower altitudes, the growers at the higher altitudes are struggling to fetch remunerative prices due to competition with Kashmir and imported apple. It’s a tough situation and the lack of support from the Centre has made it even worse,” said Singha.