IN HIMACHAL Pradesh, apple growers are facing the brunt of a short supply of fertilisers such as phosphorous, potash and urea, necessary for the apple plants after getting the necessary snowfall in this season.

Some apple growers are even found purchasing fertilisers of foreign brands at high prices to meet their urgent need. Immediately after the snowfall, fertilisers are needed for the plants for better fruit quality and protection from fungus. H. Anand Sharma, an apple grower of Theog area of Shimla district said, "Snow has given apple plants necessary chilling hours but we immediately need fertilisers or we will not be able to capitalise on the snow and apple productivity may fall.”

The Congress, banking on the resentment of the apple growers, has blamed the state government for the crisis. "Had the state government taken the steps in time, apple growers, who are already facing problems due to stiff competitions would not have faced such problems," said Rohit Thakur, former MLA of Jubbal Kothkhai. Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, Vidya Stokes, in her recent visit to Theog area, also had raised concern over shortage of fertilisers for apple growers and urged the state government to take immediate steps to bridge the gap of demand and supply.

On the other hand, Horticulture Minister Narendra Bargata has refuted the claims of opposition and said instead of blaming the government, Congress leaders in the state should persuade the central leadership for speedy release of fertilisers. "State government is not responsible for supply of fertilisers but it is the central government," said Bargata, adding that central government is responsible for fixing rate of fertilisers, its distribution and transportation. He said rates fixed for transportation has lapsed on July 2011 and till now nothing has been done by the central government and as a result fertiliser manufacturing companies are not sending the fertilisers.

The minister said till now 3,930 tonnes of potash has been supplied to the apple growers and if needed additional 2,000 tonne will be procured. HIMFED managing director, JM Pathania, agreed that there is shortage of supply of fertilisers for the growers and unless the central government fixes the transportation rates, problems will persist. He said efforts are on to get the supply of fertilisers regularised.