Apple Growers’ Union Backs Nationwide Strike, Flags Policy Concerns
Rohru, February 7, 2026
A block-level meeting of the Himachal Apple Growers’ Union was successfully held in Rohru on Saturday, with participation from executive members of village units formed across the region.
The meeting was presided over by State Committee member Sanjay Chauhan, who said that farmers and orchardists are currently facing serious challenges. He pointed to increasing incidents of land dispossession and house lockouts, expressing concern over policies that he said are adversely affecting the agricultural and horticulture sectors.
Chauhan stated that free trade agreements signed by the Central Government with various countries are not in the interest of farmers and fruit growers. He also raised objections to the proposed Seed Bill, cuts in MGNREGA allocations, the rollout of smart meters, and reductions in the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) budget, saying these measures are having a deep impact on farming and apple cultivation. He termed the policies “anti-people” and called for a united struggle against them.
After a collective discussion, it was unanimously decided that members of the Apple Growers’ Union would actively participate in the nationwide strike scheduled for February 12, 2026, alongside the Himachal Kisan Sabha. Local units will conduct awareness campaigns to ensure maximum participation of farmers and orchardists in the protest.
The members present endorsed resolutions highlighting the deepening crisis in agriculture and horticulture and reiterated their commitment to a joint movement.
In his concluding remarks, Rohru Block Secretary Raman Tharta informed that a district-level convention of the Himachal Kisan Sabha and the Himachal Apple Growers’ Union will be held in Shimla on February 27 and 28, 2026. Representatives from all local village units of Rohru and Chuhara areas are expected to attend.
