SHIMLA: Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called upon the government to swiftly provide financial relief to farmers and apple growers.

The party is urging the settlement of dues under the Mandi intervention Scheme (MIS) for the year 2022 and 2023.

Last year, apple growers were owed Rs 60 crore, while this year's outstanding payment stands at about Rs 50 crore under the MIS, said CPM Leader Sanjay Chauhan.

Heavy rainfall in the region has wreaked havoc on crops, causing significant losses across fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural produce.

Apple crops, in particular, have suffered substantial damage due to a combination of low winter snowfall and continuous heavy rains.

Over 90% of orchards have reported damage to apple quality, resulting in poor market prices.

This crisis has deepened the financial woes of apple growers who are already grappling with declining apple production and productivity over the past decade.

Rising input costs and dwindling government subsidies have compounded the issue, making it increasingly difficult for growers to sustain their livelihoods.

The Central Government's significant budget cuts to the Mandi Mediation Scheme (MIS) have added to the plight of farmers and gardeners.

CPM has issued a set of demands to address these pressing concerns.

They call upon the government to immediately provide financial assistance, reinstate subsidies in agriculture and horticulture, increase subsidies for fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, machinery, and related items, and reverse the budget cuts to the Mandi Mediation Scheme (MIS).

Failure to address these demands promptly could further exacerbate the livelihood crisis faced by farmers and gardeners.

The party has indicated that they may resort to organizing protests if their demands are not met expeditiously.