Shimla/Rohru-Jubbal: Sending out a strong political message ahead of the Panchayati Raj elections, the Himachal Apple Growers Association has decided to support only those candidates who take farmers’ issues seriously, following the conclusion of its two-day meetings in the Rohru–Jubbal region.
The meetings witnessed active participation from apple growers, farmers and livestock rearers, who openly voiced concerns over the persistent neglect of agriculture, horticulture and rural infrastructure.
“We have unanimously decided that in the coming Panchayat elections, support will be extended only to those candidates who understand the ground realities of farmers and are willing to work actively for resolving them,” said Sanjay Ghamta, representing the association.
Highlighting the frustration among rural communities, Jai Singh Jehta added, “Basic facilities like roads, healthcare, education and irrigation are still inadequate in villages. Along with this, farmers are not getting fair prices for their produce. This cannot continue.”
The association noted that leadership at various levels has failed to adequately address these long-pending issues, prompting farmers to make their electoral support conditional and issue-based.
“We believe this step will make elections more serious and centred around real issues rather than empty promises,” Ghamta said.
Jehta further emphasized that the association has laid down a clear agenda: “Candidates who commit to MSP and MIS for crops, proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act, subsidies on inputs, strengthening of MGNREGA, and protection from the adverse impact of free trade agreements will get our backing.”
The sangh also raised concerns over power privatization, prepaid smart meters, lack of cold storage and packaging facilities, and exploitation in mandis, calling for strict implementation of APMC laws.
Reaffirming their stance, both leaders said the association would continue to raise a strong voice for the rights of farmers and orchardists and ensure their issues remain central in the political discourse of Himachal Pradesh.
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