Calls for urgent action
Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
A delegation of apple growers called on CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and apprised him of a new disease rapidly spreading in apple orchards, causing significant damage to their crops. The delegation urged the Chief Minister to take prompt action to investigate and control this issue. The growers informed him that the disease was causing apple leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely, leading to sharp decline in yield.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Chief Minister spoke with Vice Chancellor of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni over the phone and directed him to dispatch the expert teams of the University to the affected areas without any delay. He instructed that the disease be scientifically investigated and that orchardists be educated on preventive and control measures on the ground.
Sukhu emphasized that the disease was spreading rapidly and causing financial losses to the growers and it was imperative to address the situation swiftly. He asked the Vice Chancellor to submit detailed report to the state government within seven days so that the appropriate measures could be taken at the earliest.
He assured the delegation the state government remains committed to resolve the issues of farmers and fruit growers on priority and would provide all necessary assistance. He said that apple farming was the mainstay in the economy of the State and thousands of families earn their livelihood from this sector.
Principal Advisor (Media) to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan was also present on the occasion.