Himachal’s apple orchards disappointed with the Union Budget

The horticulturists of the state have been disappointed due to the absence of 100% import duty on apples in the Union Budget. Failure to reduce GST on agricultural equipment will hit farmers financially. They will be forced to buy expensive equipment. President of Himachal Pradesh Vegetable and Fruit Growers Association Harish Chauhan said that apple of Himachal will face crisis and the gardeners will have to face financial loss. The government has reduced the GST on tractors and tires of expensive vehicles to 28 percent. The rich and farmers have been brought in the same category. The GST on agricultural implements has also been reduced from 15 to 18 percent, which is injustice. Import duty will be less on equipment imported from abroad, while it will only benefit the corporate houses, there is no benefit to the farmers. Sanjay Chauhan, General Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Kisan Sangharsh Samiti said that Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had taken up the matter with the Central Government that the import duty on apples should be 100%, but he was not even heard. No relief has been given to farmers and gardeners in the budget. Agriculture and horticulture sector has been neglected in the budget.