Himachal Apple Procurement Fraud

The Himachal Pradesh government addressed apple procurement policies under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), with officials clarifying rules and digital platform requirements to monitor crop procurement and address irregularities.

Horticulture officials noted that Grade C apples would continue to be procured under the MIS without quantity caps per grower, though procurement rates remained at existing levels due to financial constraints.

Separately, apple growers across regions like Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur reported substantial crop losses of up to 70 percent due to erratic weather, unseasonal rain, frost, and hailstorms, impacting the seasonal economy.

Associations representing fruit growers highlighted concerns over the heavy crop damage, inadequate chilling hours, and difficulties faced by farmers relying on apple production for their livelihood.

Not yet reported: The provided articles focus on policy announcements, weather-related crop damage, and procurement guidelines rather than a specific financial scam or fraud case.