Shimla, August 11
BJP leader and former Jubbal-Kotkhai assembly candidate Chetan Bragta has launched a sharp attack on the Himachal Pradesh government over the alleged notices being issued to apple growers who supplied more than 100 bags of apples under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).
Bragta accused the Congress government of “harassing” growers at a time when the apple season has begun and demanded that the notices be withdrawn immediately. He also alleged that the government was selectively scrutinising growers while failing to ensure timely payments, subsidies, medicines and functioning procurement centres.
Bragta said he had submitted a memorandum to the Governor, highlighting what he described as the problems being faced by apple growers because of government policies.
‘Is the apple grower a criminal?’
According to Bragta, growers who supplied more than 100 bags under the MIS in 2025 are being asked to submit documents including Aadhaar cards, revenue records, jamabandi, tatima, commission agents’ sale slips and bank statements, besides appearing before officials for verification.
“Is the apple grower a criminal? If HPMC purchased the apples from growers, why was this verification not carried out at that time? Now, when it is time to make payments, growers are being asked to appear before officials with documents,” Bragta said.
He claimed that around 45,000 growers supplied apples under the MIS in 2025, with more than 7,000 reportedly supplying over 100 bags. He demanded that the government make the entire verification process public.
‘Why different rules for Congress-linked influential people?’
Bragta also accused the government of selective action and demanded a white paper stating how many growers supplied more than 100 bags, how many were issued notices, the criteria used for issuing them and whether anyone was exempted.
“If there is a rule, it should apply equally to everyone,” he said.
He demanded district- and constituency-wise data on the notices issued to growers.
‘Investigate the entire procurement chain’
Bragta questioned why scrutiny, if required, was being limited to growers. He demanded an investigation into collection centres, HPMC records, staff deployed at procurement points, transportation arrangements and the entire government procurement chain.
He also alleged that HPMC had become a “hub of corruption” and called for an independent examination of the procurement process. He further sought details of the quantity of apples allegedly destroyed during the previous season and the records maintained by the authorities.
Government owes growers over ₹100 crore, says Bragta
Bragta claimed that more than ₹100 crore was pending under the MIS and urged the government to clear the dues immediately.
“The government is not doing any favour to the growers. This is their own money and their right. First pay the more than ₹100 crore owed to them,” he said.
He also alleged that elderly growers were being forced to wait for hours to receive their payments and said those who had helped build Himachal’s apple economy should not be made to run from one office to another.
Questions 25% procurement condition
Bragta also questioned the reported condition limiting procurement to a certain proportion of production, saying weather-related problems, hailstorms, fungal attacks and other factors could push a significant portion of a grower’s crop into the MIS category.
He asked the government to explain the scientific and practical basis for the 25% limit and clarify what growers would do if 50%, 60% or even 80% of their crop became eligible for intervention procurement.
Demands functioning collection centres
With the apple harvesting season underway, Bragta said several growers were still unclear about the operational status of collection centres.
He demanded that all notified centres be made fully operational immediately and that their locations and procurement start dates be made public.
“If collection centres do not open on time, where will growers take their C-grade apples? Who will be responsible for the losses if the fruit deteriorates?” he asked.
Bragta also called for a balanced role for HPMC and HIMFED in procurement, saying growers wanted adequate collection centres under both agencies.
‘Subsidies and farm inputs must reach growers on time’
Bragta alleged that fertilisers, spray oil and other essential inputs were not reaching growers when required and claimed that in some cases the material was reportedly available later, after the relevant spray schedule had passed.
He demanded the restoration of subsidies for anti-hail nets, spray machines and power tillers, along with the release of pending subsidy amounts.
He also urged the government to ensure adequate availability of quality medicines through PP centres.
BJP threatens agitation
Bragta warned that the BJP would intensify its agitation if the government failed to address the concerns of apple growers.
He demanded withdrawal of notices issued to growers supplying more than 100 bags, an end to what he called selective action, a probe into the entire procurement chain, immediate clearance of MIS dues, opening of all notified collection centres, adequate procurement of C-grade apples, availability of medicines at PP centres and restoration of pending subsidies.
“This is not charity; it is the right of Himachal’s apple growers. If the Congress government fails to act, the BJP will take to the streets with the growers and launch a strong agitation,” Bragta said.
