Virus threat to Himachal’s Rs 5,000-crore apple economy echoes in Assembly

The issue of potential virus threat to the Rs 5,000-crore apple economy of the state from the uncertified and non-quarantined imported plant material being bought by growers echoed in the Vidhan Sabha today.

Theog MLA Kuldeep Rathore raised the issue during question hour today. “Known and unknown viruses are coming into the state through imported plant material, which could pose a threat to the apple economy,” he warned. He also questioned the failure of Horticulture University at Nauni in Solan to develop indigenous rootstock, which is suited to the state’s agro-climatic conditions.

Chopal MLA Balbir Verma echoed similar concerns over import of rootstock which is uncertified and non-quarantined into apple orchards in five districts of the state. “There must be strict action against all those who are importing plant material illegally as this could ruin our apple economy which is the mainstay for thousands of families,” said Verma.

Addressing the concerns of the legislators, Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said action had been taken against those illegally importing non-certified rootstocks. “In 2023-24 we launched a campaign against import of non-quarantined plants and 25 vehicles carrying 2.95 lakh imported saplings were destroyed. In 2024-25, only four big containers were caught and 68,000 saplings destroyed,” he stated. The minister said efforts are on to prohibit entry of non-quarantined plant material into the state by the department.

The Horticulture Minister, however, admitted that scientists at Nauni Horticulture University had so far not been able to develop any indigenous varieties which are suitable for the local agro-climatic conditions. “We will hold a review meeting with them to ensure there is thrust on research and developing new varieties,” Negi said.

“We will propagate 50,000 plant material in collaboration with an Italian firm. We are hopeful that we will be able to provide quality plant material which normally costs Rs 700 per plant for Rs 450 per plant,” said Negi. He said 1.77 lakh apple rootstocks, which had been imported and propagated in the nurseries of the department and Nauni University, were being provided to growers at reasonable prices.

Negi said preparing plant material to meet the entire demand of the growers is a tough challenge and a certification centre, costing Rs 500 crore will also have to be set up. He assured that strict action will be taken against those engaged in supply of illegally imported plant material.