Himachal Pradesh: CM directs scientific investigation into mysterious apple disease

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called for urgent action to look into the mysterious apple disease in the state. He directed a scientific investigation in order to bring the apple disease under control.

The decision comes after a delegation of apple growers called on the Chief Minister here on Tuesday and apprised him of a new disease rapidly spreading in apple orchards, causing significant damage to their crops.

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The delegation urged the Chief Minister to take prompt action to investigate and control this issue. The growers informed him that the disease was causing apple leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely, leading to a sharp decline in yield.

Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Chief Minister spoke with the Vice Chancellor of Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, over the phone and directed him to dispatch the expert teams of the university to the affected areas without any delay.

He instructed that the disease be scientifically investigated and that orchardists be educated on preventive and control measures on the ground.

Sukhu emphasized that the disease was spreading rapidly and causing financial losses to the growers, and it was imperative to address the situation swiftly.

He asked the Vice Chancellor to submit a detailed report to the state government within seven days so that the appropriate measures could be taken at the earliest.

He assured the delegation that the state government remains committed to resolving the issues of farmers and fruit growers on priority and would provide all necessary assistance.

The Chief Minister said that apple farming was the mainstay in the economy of the state, and thousands of families earned their livelihood from this sector.