Apple growers from across Himachal Pradesh staged a significant protest outside the offices of the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) in Shimla on Monday. The farmers voiced strong allegations of harassment and unfair treatment by corporation officials during the ongoing apple procurement season.
Core Allegations and Farmer Grievances
The protesting growers presented a list of serious complaints. They accused certain HPMC officials of deliberately creating obstacles in the procurement process. A major point of contention is the alleged practice of rejecting apple boxes on frivolous grounds. Farmers claim officials are citing minor size variations or superficial blemishes to turn away their produce, causing significant financial loss.
Furthermore, the growers alleged corrupt practices, stating that officials are demanding bribes to accept their apple consignments. They also highlighted unnecessary delays in the weighing process at procurement centers, which they say leads to spoilage and devaluation of their perishable crop. The protestors demanded the immediate suspension of the officials they hold responsible for these alleged malpractices.
Official Response and Assurances
In response to the agitation, senior HPMC management addressed the gathered farmers. HPMC Managing Director Sudesh Kumar Mokhta assured the growers that their grievances would be thoroughly investigated. He emphasized the corporation's commitment to supporting apple farmers and promised strict action if any wrongdoing by staff was verified.
Mokhta clarified the corporation's procurement standards, explaining that apples are purchased based on established grade specifications. He urged farmers to ensure their produce meets the required criteria before bringing it to the collection centers to avoid rejection. Following the assurances from the MD, the apple growers called off their protest, opting to give the administration time to address their demands.
Broader Context and Market Challenges
This protest highlights the ongoing tensions between apple growers and state procurement agencies in Himachal Pradesh. The HPMC plays a crucial role in stabilizing the market by offering a guaranteed price, especially when private market rates fluctuate or crash. However, allegations of bureaucratic harassment and inefficiency periodically surface, undermining farmer confidence in the safety net.
The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by apple growers, who are at the mercy of both market forces and the efficiency of government systems. A transparent and farmer-friendly procurement process is essential for the economic health of Himachal's vital apple belt. The state government and the Horticulture Department are now under pressure to ensure a swift and fair resolution to prevent further unrest during the critical harvest and sales period.
