Himachal Apple Growers’ Association Demands Immediate Clearance of Pending MIS Payments

Shimla, August 30, 2026: The Himachal Apple Growers’ Association has urged the state government to immediately release pending payments to farmers for apples and other fruits procured under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).

The association said the government had initiated the payment process in March, initially deciding to clear dues of farmers who had supplied up to 30 boxes, followed by payments to those who had supplied up to 100 boxes. However, several farmers have reportedly not received their payments despite submitting all required documents. In some cases, more than a month has passed since the documents were submitted.

According to the association, officials have cited ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in the number of boxes supplied at certain locations last year as a reason for withholding payments. The association argued that farmers who have completed all formalities should not be penalised for alleged irregularities for which they bear no responsibility.

The association said alleged irregularities in apple procurement under the MIS are a serious matter and raise questions about the functioning of the agencies responsible for procurement, including HPMC and Himfed. It demanded a proper investigation into the alleged irregularities and strict legal action against those found responsible. It also called for recovery of any financial loss caused by such irregularities.

The association further alleged that delays in lifting apples procured under the MIS from collection centres last year resulted in significant losses, and called for accountability for such lapses.

It demanded that the government establish a transparent procurement mechanism to prevent such incidents in the future. It also called for clear rules governing the appointment of personnel at collection centres and urged that political or other interference in the procurement process be prevented.

The association also highlighted the history of the MIS, stating that the scheme was introduced by the Central Government in 1987-88 to support growers of crops such as potato, onion, apple, orange and grapes when market prices fall below remunerative levels. In Himachal Pradesh, the scheme has been implemented for apples and citrus fruits.

The association expressed concern over the reduction in Central funding for the scheme since the 2023 Budget, stating that the Centre’s share to states has subsequently been discontinued. It alleged that the state government is also gradually moving away from the scheme.

The association has urged the Central Government to continue the MIS and restore a provision of at least Rs 1,500 crore, along with clearing the pending payments due to the state. It warned that any move by the Centre or state government to discontinue the scheme would adversely affect farmers already facing serious economic challenges.

The association said it would oppose any decision to discontinue the Market Intervention Scheme.