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2 clusters · 5 sources · 19 days · First seen · Last updated

Himachal Pradesh apple industry challenges

Overview

In September 2026, Congress MLAs in Himachal Pradesh, led by Kuldeep Singh Rathore, petitioned the state government to increase the apple support price under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). The request sought to raise the price from Rs 12 per kg to at least Rs 20 per kg, citing increased production costs for labor and fertilizers, crop losses from weather, and competition from foreign imports. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu indicated the demand would be considered.

By October 2026, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi reported a decline in apple production due to unseasonal rainfall, cold weather during flowering, and insufficient chilling hours. Regarding the MIS, officials noted that HPMC and HIMFED had procured over 13,220 metric tons of apples. The administration reported clearing Rs 114 crore in inherited outstanding dues and paying over Rs 262 crore to farmers via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as part of transparency reforms.

Entities

Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers Federation Limited · Himachal Pradesh · Himachal Pradesh Government · Congress Party · Kuldeep Singh Rathore

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Himachal Pradesh apple production declines due to adverse weather

    Unseasonal rain and cold weather have reduced apple production in Himachal Pradesh, prompting government reforms and significant payments to farmers under the Market Intervention Scheme.

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Himachal Pradesh MLA seeks higher apple support prices

    A Himachal Pradesh Congress MLA is urging the state government to increase the apple support price under the Market Intervention Scheme from Rs 12 to at least Rs 20 per kg due to rising costs.

Sources

businessnewsweek.in · desitalkchicago.com · latestly.com · mangalorean.com · socialnews.xyz