Himachal’s Apple Farmers Betrayed: No Relief in Union Budget
Hopes of thousands of apple growers in Himachal Pradesh were shattered yet again as the Union Budget failed to address their long-standing demand for an increase in import duty on foreign apples. Despite repeated pleas to raise the duty from 50% to 100%, the government chose to ignore their concerns, leaving orchardists struggling against cheap imports. The absence of any relief package for horticulturists and the failure to reduce GST on agricultural equipment have only deepened their distress.
Cheap Imports Crippling Himachali Apple Industry
India imports apples from 44 countries, but the biggest threat to Himachali growers comes from Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan. These nations benefit from trade agreements like SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area), allowing them to flood the Indian market with apples at minimal duties. As a result, their produce is sold at much lower prices, making it nearly impossible for local farmers to compete. Rising costs of production, packaging, and transportation have further squeezed profits, putting many orchardists on the brink of financial ruin.
Lokendra Singh Bisht, President of the Progressive Growers Association, voiced his frustration: “Once again, the government has turned a blind eye to our demands. We expected a higher import duty and a minimum import price to protect Indian apple farmers. But nothing has been done.”
Harish Chauhan, convener of the Joint Kisan Manch, echoed similar concerns, stating, “The increase in the Kisan Credit Card limit to ₹5 lakh is welcome, but without subsidies on agricultural equipment and fertilizers, it will only push farmers deeper into debt.” He also criticized the government for not reviving the Mandi Mediation Scheme, which could have provided crucial support to struggling orchardists.
Massive Protests Against the Budget
The frustration of apple farmers resonated beyond the orchards, as Shimla witnessed a massive demonstration by farmer organizations and left-leaning workers’ unions. Protesters burned copies of the Union Budget, denouncing it as “anti-farmer and anti-worker.” The demonstration was led by CITU State President Vijendra Mehra, alongside key leaders Kuldip Dogra, Balak Ram, and Prem Gautam.
Condemning the budget, Mehra stated, “This government only works for the rich. While corporate loans are being waived, farmers are drowning in debt. Privatization of banks, insurance, transport, and even defense industries shows that the government is selling the country’s assets to the highest bidder.”
Protesters also slammed the decision to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100%, calling it a move that benefits big corporations at the expense of public welfare. One angry protester declared, “This budget is nothing but India on Sale.”
Concerns over labor rights were also raised, as activists warned that new policies would force workers into grueling 12-hour shifts while real wages remained below pre-pandemic levels.
Growing Unrest, Future Agitation Planned
Farmers and workers’ unions have announced a large-scale protest in March 2025, expected to draw participation from multiple sectors, including Anganwadi, Mid-Day Meal, MGNREGA, hydro projects, and transport.
For apple growers, however, the immediate concern remains their survival. With soaring production costs and shrinking profits, many fear they will have no choice but to abandon apple farming altogether.
“If the government does not intervene soon, apple farming in Himachal will become unsustainable,” warned Lokendra Singh Bisht.
As resentment builds across the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, the ruling party may find itself facing a political backlash from one of its most significant voter bases.
