Himachal apple farmers sound alarm, plan protest over India-US trade deal on Feb 12

Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh have expressed serious concern over the recent India-US trade deal , warning that it could threaten the livelihoods of domestic growers . In response, farmer organizations have announced their participation in nationwide strikes and protests on February 12 .

A block-level meeting of the Himachal Apple Growers Association (HAGA) was held on Sunday in Khaneti, Kotkhai region , drawing a large number of farmers from nearby villages. The session was led by local committee member Rakesh Mehta and chaired by state committee member Sanjay Chauhan .

Speaking at the meeting, Chauhan said farmers are already facing a severe crisis due to rising cultivation costs, loss of land, and anti-farmer policies . He warned that the implementation of the trade deal would allow imported apples to enter the domestic market at lower prices, putting local orchards under immense pressure. “Domestic farmers are struggling to compete, and their livelihoods are at risk ,” Chauhan said.

The meeting also voiced strong opposition to other government measures, including the new Seed Bill, reductions in MGNREGA allocations, the Smart Meter scheme, and budget cuts to the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). According to the participants, these steps collectively undermine the interests of orchardists and farmers.

Chauhan emphasized the need for a unified struggle against policies that harm farmers . As part of this effort, apple farmers from the Kotkhai region will join the protest in Rohru on February 12 . The association also decided to organize the HAGA Kotkhai conference in Khaneti on February 23 and strengthen farmer organizations at the village level, encouraging wider participation from orchardists in the movement.