Shimla, July 26

Chopal MLA Balbir Verma and BJP leader Chetan Bragta today said that the state government had put the 5,000 crore apply economy in a crisis due to its hasty decision to adopt universal cartons without any preparation.

The two leaders, while addressing a press conference here, said that after a complete ban on telescopic boxes in the state and the decision to sell apple according to the rate, the orchardists had turned to the markets of other states to sell their produce.

Himachal produces only 17% apple

Today, Himachal produces only 17 per cent apple while Jammu and Kashmir produces 78 per cent apple. Will the state government think over the issue why we are lagging behind? —Chetan Bragta, BJP leader

"Till date, orchardists used to sell their apple mostly in the markets of Himachal in July, but this year, they have been forced to sell their produce in the markets of other states. This will have a direct impact on the local markets and other small industries and employment opportunities related to this business," they said.

Verma and Bragta said, "Orchardists, commission agents and loaders are worried due to the arbitrary order of Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Due to which, this year, loaders are also coming less to the markets of the state and the commission agents are also planning to shift to the markets of other states. As a result, the state government will also suffer a huge revenue loss."

Verma said that the irresponsible manner in which the Congress government implemented universal cartons by banning telescopic boxes without any preparation made the orchardists feel uncomfortable. Earlier, the BJP government, under the leadership of Horticulture Minister Narendra Bragta, had established a network of mandis in the state, but due to the indifferent attitude of the Congress towards horticulture, the existence of these fruit markets was in danger.

Bragta said that if the anti-horticulturist decision was not taken back, the BJP would launch an agitation and if needed, would also approach court. He added that 20 years ago, Himachal was a leading state in apple production, but today it was lagging behind. "Today, Himachal produces only 17 per cent apple while Jammu and Kashmir produces 78 per cent apple. Will the state government think over the issue why we are lagging behind? We should also try to know whether Jammu and Kashmir, North-Eastern states and Uttarakhand have done carton standardisation," he added.