ROHRU/ THEOG, May 9 – Apple growers across Himachal Pradesh are raising alarm over the unavailability of subsidised fungicides at most outlets of the Horticulture Department, just when they are needed most—after widespread damage from recent hailstorms.
“Subsidised fungicides could have offered some relief to growers hit by the storm,” said Harish Chauhan, a progressive apple grower from Rohru. “Unfortunately, these are not available at most department outlets.”
The Department of Horticulture supplies pesticides and fungicides at subsidised rates through its retail outlets in accordance with the spray schedule approved by the University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. However, farmers claim they are now being forced to purchase these essential inputs at full price from private sellers.
“In our area too, the department’s outlets have no stock,” said Sohan Thakur, a grower from Theog. “Nauni University recommends immediate spraying of fungicides to prevent fungal attack on hail-injured fruit and leaves. With no government stock, we’re left paying high market rates.”
Responding to the concerns, a senior official from the Horticulture Department acknowledged the shortfall. “Fungicides were available until recently. A new supply order has already been placed with the companies, and stocks should arrive shortly,” the official said.
Chauhan also urged the department to expedite the restocking process and called for a review of the subsidy structure.
“The 30 percent subsidy on fungicides was fixed in the 1990s and hasn’t been updated since, even though prices of inputs have gone up considerably. The government should revise the subsidy in favor of small and marginal farmers,” he said.
With vulnerable crops exposed after the hailstorms, growers argue that timely support in the form of subsidised fungicides is not just a matter of policy but of survival.
