Shimla: The All India Congress Committee spokesperson and Congress legislator from the Theog assembly segment of Shimla district, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, has called on the state government to declare the "Alternaria" disease affecting apple crops as an epidemic. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rathore expressed grave concerns over the looming threat to Himachal Pradesh's apple economy.

Rathore highlighted that the apple orchards are being severely impacted by "Alternaria," a disease that affects the size and color of apples, causing premature leaf drop and leaving orchardists deeply worried. He urged the state government to take immediate action by declaring the spread of "Alternaria" an epidemic and seeking cooperation from the central government to combat the disease.

"Alternaria" has already reached epidemic proportions in many areas, with some regions seeing up to 95 percent of orchards affected. Rathore emphasized the need for the state government to collaborate with the central government to implement preventive measures. He recalled a similar situation during 1982-83 when scab disease affected apple crops, and timely intervention with help from the Center managed the crisis effectively.

Rathore stressed the importance of thorough research to eradicate "Alternaria" from its roots and raised concerns about the quality of medicines available in the market, calling for stricter monitoring of these products. He also questioned the safety of imported apple plants, suggesting they should be quarantined before being distributed to farmers to prevent the introduction of new diseases.

He warned that without immediate action, apple production in Himachal Pradesh could become unsustainable, exacerbating the financial struggles of apple growers in the region. Rathore's plea underscores the urgency of addressing the "Alternaria" outbreak to protect the Rs 5000 crore apple economy of Shimla and the livelihoods of the state's orchardists.

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