Shimla:

The Apple Growers’ Association of Himachal Pradesh’s Local Committee in Bali Chowki staged a protest today by burning copies of the new Agricultural Market Policy 2024, expressing strong opposition to the central government’s approach. The protest was followed by the submission of a memorandum to the President of India through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Bali Chowki.

In the memorandum, the association condemned the current NDA 3-led central government for failing to adhere to democratic principles and called for immediate dialogue with farmer organizations addressing the real concerns of the agricultural community. They also referred to the Supreme Court’s direction for the government to engage in discussions with farmers.

Mahender Rana, a member of Association stated that the Apple Growers’ Association demanded the following actions from the government:

1. Ensure the safety of farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal.

2. Halt the crackdown on farmers heading to Delhi and stop the use of tear gas and rubber bullets.

3. Release all farmers imprisoned in Gautam Budh Nagar’s Luksar Jail.

4. Withdraw the National Agricultural Market Policy and review related agricultural reforms.

5. Engage in immediate talks with farmer organizations to address longstanding demands, including MSP (Minimum Support Price), loan waivers, electricity privatization, and the implementation of the LARR Act of 2013.

The association also highlighted that the NDA 2 government had signed an agreement with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) in 2021, agreeing to repeal three controversial agricultural laws, a commitment they claimed the NDA 3 government has violated.

The protestors further criticized the central government for continuing to implement corporate-driven policies, which they argue are undermining India’s food security and farmer welfare. They expressed concern over the growing corporate control over agriculture, citing significant cuts in food and fertilizer subsidies.

The delegation, including several prominent members of the Apple Growers’ Association, called on the government to engage with the farmers, address the pressing issues, and ensure justice for those wrongfully accused in connection with recent protests.