Himachal Farmers Demand Policy Change Amid FTA Concerns

Farmers in Himachal Pradesh protested outside the state Secretariat, pushing for policy changes as per Supreme Court orders for regularisation. They seek exclusion of agricultural produce from Free Trade Agreements and demand higher import duties on apples to protect local farmers. Possible escalations to Delhi protests loom.

Farmers and orchardists across Himachal Pradesh took to protesting outside the state Secretariat, demanding the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's directions for a clear regularisation policy. The protest, organized by groups like the Himachal Pradesh Kisan Sabha and Himachal Pradesh Apple Growers' Association, highlighted the need to protect farmers' land and include agricultural produce in Free Trade Agreements.

Sanjay Chauhan, Convener of the joint forum, addressed demonstrators, insisting the state stop evictions citing High Court orders after a Supreme Court Bench set aside those directives. The Court urged the government to devise a policy supporting small and marginal farmers soon.

Chauhan criticized current FTAs reducing import duties on apples, cautioning it jeopardizes the livelihoods of approximately 1.5 million apple-producing families. He also highlighted unresolved issues such as delayed Market Intervention Scheme payments, urging immediate reforms to safeguard agricultural interests.

(With inputs from agencies.)