Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur to meet apple growers in Shimla

SHIMLA: With apple growers calling for a massive protest demonstration outside the state secretariat in Shimla on August 5 against the decision of the state government to increase prices of apple cartons and trays following GST hike, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur will hold a meeting with apple growers in the state capital on July 28 in a bid to pacify them ahead of the protest.
Similarly, horticulture minister Mahender Singh Thakur hold a meeting with apple growers of Kullu district.
The state government has already given an approval for implementation of market intervention scheme (MIS) for procurement of ‘C’ grade apple in the state during 2022. The MIS will be implemented in the state from July 20 to October 31.
Sanyukt Kisan Manch convener Harish Chauhan said they have received a letter from the director horticulture regarding the meeting. He said for the past one year, they had been seeking an audience with the chief minister, which will finally happen now. He said the government has invited them for the meeting only after they announced a protest demonstration in Shimla on August 5.
He said from each house, one member will participate in August 5 protest and they have set a target of ensuring a gathering of around 15,000 to 20,000 protesters. He said even after getting an invitation for the meeting, they are continuing with their preparation for the proposed protest. “We hope for a positive outcome after the meeting with the chief minister,” he added.
Earlier on July 20, apple growers had held protest demonstrations at Rohru, Theog, Kotkhai, Narkanda, Rampur in Shimla district; Nirmand and Ani in Kullu district; beside Kinnaur and Mandi districts. Their main demands included immediate withdrawal of increased GST on cartons that was hiked from 12% to 18% and to provide subsidy on fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, cartons, trays and other cost items. tnn