Seeks relief for apple growers
Shimla: Education Minister Rohit Thakur has taken up the issue of the non-availability of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer with Union Minister for Health and Chemicals & Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda, highlighting the difficulties being faced by apple growers across Himachal Pradesh.
In a letter to the, Rohit Thakur appraised the Union Minister that the apple industry is an important pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy, contributing around Rs. 6,000 crore annually and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farming families. He informed that CAN (25 %) have earlier been a reliable and economical source of nitrogen for apple orchards.
He informed that following the discontinuation of CAN manufacturing, growers have been forced to depend on alternatives such as urea, calcium nitrate and mixed NPK fertilizers. These are either not well suited to the specific nutrient requirements and application schedules of apple orchards or are considerably more expensive.
Rohit Thakur further informed the Union Minister that farmers have reported increased mortality and declining productivity of apple trees despite an expansion in the area under apple cultivation.
Responding to the letter, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda assured Rohit Thakur that the matter was under examination by the concerned division. He further stated that necessary action would be taken keeping in view the interests of horticulturists.
