CM Sukhu Clears Rs. 153 Crore Apple Grower Debt, Explores Ropeway to Hatu Temple... It was pending farmers money. But the farmers face crop failure and there is no relief for them.
Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a major relief for apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, saying the state has cleared Rs. 153 crore in pending dues under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).
“We’ve taken care of all past liabilities, including Rs. 90 crore left by the previous government,” said Sukhu during his visit to Narkanda in Theog Assembly Constituency.
Sukhu met with locals, addressing their concerns and pledging prompt solutions. He criticized the previous government for stopping subsidies on essential farming supplies like pesticides and fertilizers.
"We reinstated these subsidies immediately to ensure quality products are accessible to farmers,” he said. He highlighted the increase in the support price for culled apples to Rs. 12 per kg and the adoption of the universal carton system for apple sales.
The CM also discussed plans to enhance tourism, including a ropeway from Narkanda to Hatu Temple and widening the Hatu Mandir road. “We’re looking at a ropeway to boost tourism here,” Sukhu stated.
He added that Rs. 5 crore has been allocated for an ice skating rink in Narkanda, alongside plans for a multipurpose sports hall and upgrading the Dhalli to Narkanda road to a four-lane highway.
Sukhu announced that Rs. 4500 had been transferred to the bank accounts of 173 local women under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi scheme, with more applications under review. Recently, Rs. 1.15 crore was disbursed to 2,569 women in Shimla district under this scheme.
Accompanied by Theog MLA Kuldip Rathour, Sukhu also highlighted the state’s efforts during the monsoon disaster last year, saying they provided swift relief and restored roads, ensuring apple transportation continued smoothly.
Earlier, Sukhu offered prayers at Hatu Mata Mandir for the state’s peace and prosperity and planted a sapling at Narkanda Circuit House. He was accompanied by his wife Kamlesh Thakur and several local leaders.
