Apple Scab, Leaf Diseases Wreak Havoc in Orchards; Govt in Sleep Mode: Chetan Bragta
Shimla, July 8, 2025:
As Alternaria and Marssonina fungal infections rapidly spread across apple orchards in Himachal Pradesh, BJP state spokesperson Chetan Bragta has launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, accusing it of leaving apple growers at the mercy of nature.
“The government is sitting idle while orchards are under severe disease stress. This is the second year in a row we’re facing this crisis, and yet there’s no sign of preparedness or preventive action,” Bragta said in a press statement issued today.
He blamed the state horticulture department headed by Jagat Negi and the university at Nauni for failing to provide scientific solutions to tackle the outbreak. “What exactly are the horticulture minister and the department doing?
Why hasn’t Nauni University come up with a workable scientific response yet?” he questioned.
“If timely research had been done, thousands of growers wouldn’t be struggling to save their crops today,” he added.
Bragta alleged that horticulture centres have become dysfunctional under the Congress regime, with essential fungicides not being made available on time.
“Growers are being forced to purchase expensive chemicals from the open market, which is hitting their pockets hard and impacting productivity,” he said.
Taking a swipe at Education Minister Rohit Thakur, who hails from an apple-growing background, Bragta said, “Even he has chosen silence on this burning issue. Growers expected leadership, but they’ve been left disappointed.”
Calling on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene, Bragta urged him to convene an emergency meeting with horticulture officials and ensure timely supply of essential crop protection materials in all government centres.
He also stressed the need to mobilize research institutions immediately to find lasting solutions, so that growers do not face the same crisis year after year.
