leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on Sunday showed concern over the apple market crash and said that due to inactive approach of the State Government and the Central Government, apple growers of the State had to suffer this year.
He said that apple market this season had shown remarkable downfall which has brought gloom for the apple growers. Dhumal blamed the Central Government for reducing the import duty on apple to zero and smuggling of apple from South Asian countries, which has resulted in fall of prices of apples.
Dhumal said that Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma during his visit to the State has also accepted the fact. The Congress in its poll manifesto had said that if they were voted to power, then import duty will be increased three times but till nothing in this front has been done and the announcement was just a poll gimmick.
“In year 2000, the State Government had requested the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to increase the import duty which was duly accepted and had benefitted the farmers in a bigger way giving a boost to the apple economy,” he said and added that current UPA Government had done nothing to benefit the apple growers of the state.
Dhumal also alleged that sub standard pesticides are being given to the farmers due to which apple trees are witnessing leaves fall, controlled atmospheric condition stores being handed over to private parties and market fees being collected from the farmers which is jeopardizing the apple market.
He added that policies started during the tenure previous government have been put at the back burner which is putting additional pressure on the economy. “The recent protest launched by former Horticulture Minister Narendra Bragta has garnered immense response and party will raise the issue in bigger way so that apple gets the status of special product,” said Dhumal.
Earlier on September 11 Dr Singh had given dinner to officials and media persons for expressing his gratitude on the successful completion of Vikas Yatra.
mal>7IJnsIJoIJ8FIJ-bidi-font-size:7.5pt;line-height:115%'>Asked about special status, the Chief Minister spoke more about royalty, return of land and the expired lease agreement with Coal India.
Sanjiv Kumar is expected to press his point further with the Sorens next week.