Shimla, Sep 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has urged the Centre to address the shortage of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertiliser, saying its non-availability is creating difficulties for apple growers across the state.
In a letter, Thakur informed the Union Minister that the apple industry is an important pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy, contributing around Rs 6,000 crore annually and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farming families.
He said CAN fertiliser has been a reliable and economical source of nitrogen for apple orchards.
Thakur said that following the discontinuation of CAN production, growers have been forced to rely on alternatives such as urea, calcium nitrate and mixed NPK fertilisers, which are either costlier or less suited to the nutrient requirements of apple orchards.
He also flagged concerns over the long-term use of urea, including soil acidification, deterioration of soil structure and potential damage to plant roots.
Thakur further informed the Union Minister that farmers have reported increased mortality and declining productivity of apple trees despite an expansion in the area under apple cultivation.
He requested the Union Government to take up the matter with the authorities concerned and fertilizer manufacturers and facilitate the manufacture and availability of CAN at the earliest.
Responding to the letter, Union Minister Nadda assured Rohit Thakur that the matter was under examination by the division concerned. He said necessary action would be taken keeping in view the interests of the horticulturists.
The Education Minister expressed hope that the matter would be considered at the earliest and that appropriate steps would be taken to ensure the availability of suitable and affordable fertilizers for apple growers.
He said that ensuring timely availability of essential agricultural inputs is important for protecting the interests of orchardists and sustaining the apple economy.
Source: IANS
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