Shimla | TNR
The Himachal government will discuss the minimum support price (MIS) given to apple growers in the state at a Cabinet meeting to be held soon.
Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has asked for a detailed report of the crop purchased through NAFED by the Jammu and Kashmir government during the past two years.
The meeting will decide on the minimum price based on this report tabled by the agriculture secretary.
United Farmers’ Forum
The United Farmers’ Forum has demanded that MSP be fixed at the rate of Rs 24,44 and Rs 60 for which they have given the government an ultimatum ending September 13.
The government will look into the report only after this date.
However, the prospects of fetching rates as per the MIS rates of Kashmir look bleak because MSP was implemented only two years back in Kashmir after Article 370 was revoked, in view of the special situation in the state.
The situation in Kashmir returned to normal last year and due to this NAFED did not purchase much in 2020.
The cabinet meeting will therefore discuss the financial burden on the state government in case of a similar scheme being implemented in Himachal.
Cabinet meet to take final decision on opening of schools
A Cabinet meeting to be held on September 4 will decide on the reopening of schools based on the presentation given by the health department, as well as discussions on the same.
Schools are currently closed in the state due to the covid situation. Similarly, the Cabinet will also decide whether restrictions will continue in the state.
