The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a stern warning to anyone found violating the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act when purchasing apples in the state. The announcement was made in the state assembly on Tuesday, in response to a question raised by Congress member Kuldeep Singh Rathore about the Adani Group’s activities in the region.
Rathore had requested details about the number of cold storage facilities set up by the group in Shimla district, as well as any Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed and whether the company was following the rules.
In response, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi stated that any malpractice would be dealt with under the APMC Act.
Negi went on to reveal that three controlled atmosphere (CA) stores were built between 2008 and 2011, in Sainj village in Theog, Mehdali village in Rohru, and Revali village in Kumarsain in Shimla district. A subsidy of Rs 15.98 crore was given by the National Horticulture Board through NABARD funds for their construction, but no MoU was signed.
Rathore raised a supplementary question, claiming that the Adani Group announces its rates for the purchase of apples during the mid-season, which results in a crash in prices and growers suffer losses. In response, Negi stated that the government would look into legal provisions to find out whether an MoU could be signed to safeguard the interests of the producers after such a long gap.
Congress MLA Harish Janartha added that there should be a mechanism for deciding the purchase price in consultation with the growers.