Apple Growers Seek Better Support as Costs Rise, Rathore Urges Hike in MIS Rate

Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh are grappling with rising costs and uncertain weather, prompting Congress national spokesperson and Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore to call for a significant increase in the apple procurement price under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).

Rathore has urged the state government to raise the MIS support price for apples from the current ₹12 per kilogram to at least ₹20 per kilogram, arguing that growers are struggling to keep pace with escalating production expenses. He pointed out that the costs of labour, manure, fertilisers, fungicides and pesticides have increased sharply, while erratic weather conditions continue to affect orchard productivity.

According to Rathore, apple farmers have suffered crop setbacks once again this season, leaving many under financial pressure. He said the existing support price falls short of providing adequate relief at a time when cultivation costs are steadily rising.

Adding to growers’ concerns, Rathore highlighted the reduction in import duties on foreign apples, warning that cheaper imports could intensify competition and further strain Himachal’s apple economy. He stressed that stronger government support is needed to safeguard the interests of the state’s apple-producing community.