Himachal Pradesh: Congress' Kuldeep Singh Rathore calls for Centre's intervention to combat spread of 'Alternaria' disease in apple crops

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 18 : The All India Congress Committee spokesperson, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, urged the state government to declare the 'Alternaria' disease in the apple crop an "epidemic."
He also called for central government intervention to combat the spread of the disease.
Speaking to the media in Shimla on Thursday, he said, "Danger clouds are looming over the apple economy of Himachal Pradesh, which has an economy worth Rs 5000 crore. The apple orchards have come under the grip of a disease called 'Alternaria', which is directly affecting the size and colour of apples. Apple leaves are falling prematurely, due to which the orchardists of the state are quite worried."
In a press conference in Shimla, Congress MLA Rathore has demanded to declare Alternaria disease an "epidemic," and he has also asked for cooperation from the central government to prevent the disease.
Rathore said that 'Alternaria' disease has taken the form of an epidemic in many areas of the state. In some areas, 95 percent of orchards have come under the grip of the disease. In such a situation, the state government should take up the matter with the central government and take steps to prevent it. During the years 1982-83, scab disease also affected apples, for which timely steps were taken and help was sought from the Centre.
He asserted that the government should understand the seriousness, take steps to prevent 'Alternaria' disease, and also take up the issue with the Centre. Although the Horticulture Department has sent teams, research is also needed to eradicate this disease from its roots.
He said that questions are also being raised about the quality of medicines available in the market and this should also be monitored.
Rathore said that apart from this, there is also suspicion of apple plants being imported from abroad; these plants should be quarantined. Only after that they should be made available to the farmers.
Rathore highlighted that 'Alternaria' has reached epidemic proportions in many regions, affecting up to 95 percent of orchards in some areas. He emphasised the need for the state government to collaborate with the central government to take immediate preventive measures. He recalled the scab disease outbreak in 1982-83, which was effectively managed with timely intervention and central assistance.
He stressed the importance of thorough research to eliminate Alternaria from its roots, questioning the quality of available medicines and suggesting the monitoring of these products.
Rathore also raised concerns about the potential introduction of diseases through imported apple plants, advocating for strict quarantine measures before distributing these plants to orchardists.
The Congress leader warned that, without immediate action, apple production in Himachal Pradesh could become unsustainable, exacerbating the financial struggles of apple growers in the region.