Shimla: Himachal’s apple growers are staring at a deepening crisis as the government’s shift from supplying TSO (Tree Spray Oil) and horticulture equipment to a DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) model has backfired on the ground. Neither has the material been supplied, nor has any money reached the growers’ bank accounts, Says BJP leader Chetan Bragta.
The result is a classic policy vacuum—support withdrawn, but the alternative never delivered.
Small and marginal orchardists are the worst hit, unable to afford costly inputs from the market. With the spray window fast closing, every passing day is pushing their crop closer to risk.
Launching a sharp attack, Chetan Singh Bragta said, “This is nothing short of a double assault on apple growers. The government has stopped TSO and equipment, but failed to release DBT funds. Orchardists have been left completely stranded—this is unacceptable and exposes the government’s hollow claims.”
He further demanded immediate intervention, warning that delays now would directly translate into crop losses. “If the government does not release DBT funds without further delay, it will be directly responsible for the damage to the apple economy of Himachal,” Bragta said.
With no inputs, no cash support, and no clarity from the government, Himachal’s apple belt is asking one question—who will take responsibility if the crop fails?
#AppleCrisis #HimachalPradesh #FarmersDistress #DBTFailure
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