Bitter Tussle in Himachal over Govt Decision to Sell Apples by Weight in Mandis as Arhtiyas Announce Strike

In what could disrupt the apple season in Himachal Pradesh, employers (brokers) in the state have threatened to start an indefinite strike at major Mandis fruit markets from Thursday to protest the government’s decision to sell apples by weight there. Emphasizing this, Harish Thakur, President of the Government Arthias Association said, “We cannot be forced to sell apples by weight.”

Arbia took the decision after the department and the Agricultural Produce Market Commission (APMC) on Wednesday issued lawsuits against several commission agents at Parala Fruit Mandi, the largest of its kind in the state, for not selling the fruit by weight. The upset employers immediately stopped trading and later decided to go on an indefinite strike from Thursday.

After the request of several apple growers’ associations, the government of Himachal Pradesh has decided to sell apples by weight rather than number of boxes in the state’s mandhs from this season. The government also set the weight at 24 kg per box. Arhtiyas said that due to lack of space in Mandis, apples are not likely to be sold by weight.

However, the state government denied imposing the decision on the ceremonial area. Officials said the move to sell by weight came after consultations with all stakeholders. The state government has threatened to take action if the Arhaetiya resort to a strike. It is also considering alternative systems to sell the product.

The Sanyukt Kisan Manch District Farmers Body criticized its refusal to sell by weight. “A sudden strike is against the interests of the farmers. A few irresponsible professions are trying to promote illegal activities in the mandes and harm the apple industry,” said Harish Chauhan, SKM Meeting Coordinator. “We urge the government to make an alternative arrangement for the sale of apples.”