The Newz Radar
Shimla: farmers and orchard owners took to the roads across the state on Friday in collaboration with the United Farmers’ Forum to protest against the Central government’s failure to address their demands. Car rallies and bike rallies were organised in various locations, including a car rally from Narkanda to Shimla, where hundreds of orchard owners participated.
The rally culminated at the Secretariat here, where farmers and orchard owners vehemently expressed their opposition to the policies of the Central government. They demanded the fulfillment of promises made by the government in resolving issues related to farmers and orchard owners.
Sohan Thakur, the president of the Apple Producers Union, stated that three years ago, during the United Farmers’ Forum movement, the Central government had made promises through negotiations, but none of the demands have been met. He highlighted that protests, including vehicle and tractor rallies, were organised nationwide on January 4 against the government’s indifferent attitude.
In Shimla district, a vehicle rally was conducted from Narkanda to the Secretariat. Thakur highlighted the challenges faced by orchard owners, citing the adverse impact of unpredictable weather patterns and the government’s insensitivity to their struggles. The cost of production in apple cultivation is continuously rising, while the central government has reduced the budget for the MISA subsidy.
He expressed concern over the government’s withdrawal of subsidies on fertilisers and medicines, coupled with the increasing influence of corporate entities in determining apple prices in the market. Thakur urged the central government to promptly implement the promises made to the United Farmers’ Forum to avoid intensification of the ongoing farmers’ agitation.
