Shimla: BJP leader Keshav Chauhan has strongly criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government over heavy losses suffered by apple growers due to recent hailstorms, snowfall, and storms in Shimla district and upper hill regions.
Chauhan stated that adverse weather conditions over the past few days have caused crop damage worth crores of rupees, particularly in areas where apple orchards were at the flowering stage. Despite the large-scale losses, he alleged that the state government has failed to announce any concrete relief measures so far.
He emphasized that apple farming forms the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy and supports the livelihood of thousands of families. According to him, the government’s alleged indifference toward orchardists is deeply concerning at a time when farmers are facing severe financial distress.
The BJP leader further accused the administration of failing to ensure timely availability of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides to growers. He also claimed that no meaningful subsidy support is being provided to orchardists. In addition, payments for apples supplied to the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) are reportedly being delayed, worsening the economic condition of farmers.
Targeting the state’s horticulture minister, Chauhan said that nearly half of the state’s population is unaware of who holds the portfolio, alleging a lack of visible work for the welfare of orchardists.
He demanded that the government immediately launch a special survey in affected areas to assess the actual crop damage and provide prompt compensation to apple growers.
Warning of protests, Chauhan said that if the government fails to announce a relief package soon, the BJP will take the issue to the streets and launch an agitation in support of farmers’ rights. He alleged that while the current government remains focused on announcements and publicity, farmers at the grassroots level continue to suffer heavy losses.
