The Himachal Pradesh Government on Tuesday assured strict action against illegal importers of uncertified and non-quarantined apple rootstocks, which pose a serious threat to the state’s Rs 5,000-crore apple economy. The issue sparked a heated discussion during the ongoing budget session of the Vidhan Sabha, with legislators expressing concern over the risk of virus infections in local apple orchards.
Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi informed the House that the government had already launched a crackdown on illegal plant imports. “In 2023-24, we destroyed 2.95 lakh non-quarantined saplings from 25 vehicles. This year, four large containers carrying 68,000 uncertified plants have been seized and destroyed. The Department is committed to stopping the entry of such harmful plant material into the state,” he said.
The issue was raised by Theog MLA Kuldeep Rathore and Chopal MLA Balbir Verma raising concerns about the unchecked import of uncertified rootstocks, warning that foreign plant material could introduce unknown viruses into Himachal’s orchards. They also questioned why Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, had not developed indigenous rootstocks suited to local agro-climatic conditions.
Negi acknowledged the delay in research but assured the House that efforts were being made to boost local production. “We will hold a review meeting with Nauni University to ensure a greater research focus on developing indigenous varieties,” he said.
To meet the rising demand for quality rootstocks, the Government has partnered with an Italian firm to propagate 50,000 apple plants. These saplings, which usually cost Rs 700 each, will be provided to farmers at a subsidized rate of Rs 450 per plant. Additionally, 1.77 lakh imported rootstocks, propagated in government nurseries and Nauni University, are being made available at reasonable prices.
Negi highlighted the challenges in supplying sufficient certified plant material and announced that a Rs 500-crore certification centre would be set up to ensure quality standards. “The apple economy is the backbone of Himachal, and we will not allow illegal imports to threaten it. Strict action will continue against violators,” he asserted.
Khalistan Stickers on Himachal Buses: CM Assures Action
Former Chief Minister and the Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur raised serious concerns over Khalistan-related activities, including pro-Khalistan stickers and posters being pasted on Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses in Punjab.
Thakur alleged that HRTC buses were being stopped in Punjab, and individuals were placing posters of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on them while brandishing swords. He warned that the growing radical activities posed a security risk to Himachal residents.
Responding, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the House that he would take up the matter with his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann. “These incidents are deeply concerning. We have received reports of HRTC buses being stopped, and I will personally speak to the Punjab Chief Minister to ensure the safety of our transport network and citizens,” Sukhu said.
Concerns over driver and passenger safety have intensified, especially after videos surfaced on social media showing pro-Khalistan slogans being raised near HRTC buses. Reports indicated that similar posters were spotted on Himachal buses at Hoshiarpur and other parts of Punjab.
The situation has been tense since last week when a group of devotees carrying Bhindranwale flags arrived in Manikaran, Kullu. A confrontation with local residents led to a police intervention. Following this, posters began appearing on HRTC buses in Punjab, raising security fears among bus drivers and conductors.
