HP govt promises to resolve Apple growers demands

Shimla: Sanyukt Kisan Manch stated on Saturday here the Himachal Pradesh government has promised to resolve all demands of apple growers and farmers amicably following second round of consultation held a day back.
SKM convenor Harish Chauhan and co-convener Sanjay Chauhan congratulated all farmers and growers for the successful Kisan Aakrosh Rally and Secretariat Gherao organized on Friday.
In a statement issued here they said following Friday’s stir, a high-level committee constituted by the state government chaired by Chief Secretary discussed with SKM the 20-point demand letter.
The SKM said if the government failed in their promise by August 16, then they will launch Jail Bharo Andolan from August 17.
The SKM had demanded abolition of GST should on packaging materials used for agriculture and horticulture, including cartons and trays.
Apart from this, selling apples by weight would be started in Kinnaur’s Tapri Mandi from this year and gradually it would be implemented in all the mandis, the farmers were assured.
Besides, Mandi Arbitration Scheme (MIS) on the lines of Kashmir will be done and steps would be taken to hike import duty on apples to 100 per cent.
The Chief Secretary has assured that the demand for a loan waiver will be kept before the government as it is a policy decision. As far as the notice issued by the bank for recovery of loan, he will issue an order to stop.
The Chief Secretary also informed that a committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor of Nauni Vishwavidyalaya to fix the rates and monitor the purchase of apples in the CA stores of Adani and other companies. (UNI)