Opposition BJP on Wednesday blamed the Congress Government in Himachal Pradesh for low apple prices this season and its failure to check apple market collapse and announced to stage protest across apple growing districts of the State.
“It is unfortunate that today horticulture industry in the State which is worth between Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 crore has come under grave danger. Congress has failed to protect the interest of apple growers and is to be blamed for the plight of the apple industry,” said former horticulture minister Narender Bragta.
He said despite record apple production in the year 2010, growers were able to get good prices for their produce during the BJP rule.
“At that time, growers fetched good rates and the market for quality apples varied from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500” said Bragta showing concern over the low prices for the apples, this year.
Targeting the Congress, he said that there were at least five MlAs of Congress from apple growing areas but so far they have failed to raise voice concerning the problems faced by apple growers in the Assembly as well as with the Government and failed to protect the interest of people.
“Nexus between merchants and members of fruit marketing committee was also largely responsible for crash of apple markets” alleged Bragta adding that growers were facing difficulty in transporting apples due to bad roads in the many areas.
He demanded inquiry in the substandard construction works by contractors on many roads leading to apple growing areas. Bragta also blamed the Congress Government for sabotaging the few ambitious projects conceived by the BJP Government for strengthening of apple economy.
The BJP leader said that the previous BJP Government had envisaged a road project costing Rs 78 crore for hassle free transportation of apple crop to the markets. “During BJP’s time, I myself used to monitor the apple transportation but this time not even the deputy commissioners have gone beyond Theogh to oversee transportation,” he said.
Bragta alleged that the Government has failed to set up centers for purchase of apples under the Market Intervention Scheme, which further compelled the growers to sell their reduce at low cost to unregistered buyers.
Announcing to hold protest, he said on September 2, the apple growers will hold protest in Rampur- that will be followed by similar protest in Rohru, Chopal, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Chamba.
“The protest will start on September 2 and continue till second week,” said Bragta appealing to the apple growers to participate in the protest irrespective of party lines for the interest of apple growers.