Himachal government indifferent to growers: Rathore

Solan, February 17

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HPCC president Kuldeep Rathore has alleged that the government is not bothered about horticulturists, who have been supplied virus-ridden imported apple plants.

Rathore said, “The government is ignoring farmers as even the supply of fertilisers is being delayed. The government should not provoke farmers to begin an agitation by being indifferent to their plight.” He warned the government that the Congress would not tolerate if the growers were ignored further.

“It is a matter of concern that virus-ridden plants sourced from private nurseries abroad have been provided to the horticulturists without any scrutiny and certification. The danger of virus infecting the plants is looming large due to this callous attitude and it is a grave threat to apple and other fruits in the state,” he said.

Rathore said farmers were grappling with a shortage of fertilisers such as urea and potash, which are applied when the soil is moist. He blamed the government for failure to provide fertilisers even last year, forcing them to opt for costlier options from the open market.—