Shimla, Aug 28 (Representative) Samyukta Kisan Manch accused Adani Agrifresh Limited for allegedly exploiting apple growers by offering very less rate of apple crops compared to Apple price being given to Growers in the whole sale Market. In a joint press statement issued here today President of SKM Sanjay Chauhan and convenor Harish Chauhan demanded the government to intervene immediately by ordering Adani Agrifresh company to fix the price of apple purchase on the price being provided to farmers in the mandis. “If Adani does not increase the purchase price of apples immediately, they would organize the Growers to begin protest against Adani’s arbitrariness and exploitation.” Press release issued today said. This year, Adani Agrifresh has given premium grade apples (80-100% colour) at Rs 95-60 per kg, supreme grade apples (60-80% colour) at Rs 75-40 per kg and minimum at Rs 20 per kg. Kilo is fixed. While the growers are getting Rs.150-160 per kg for premium grade apples and Rs.75-95 for supreme grade apples and Rs.35-50 per kg for light grade apples in all mandis today. SKM said the company is charging profits on the sale of apple at the rate of Rs.250 to Rs.400 per kg in the retail store. Both Chauhan accused Adani Agri Fresh being habitual offenders of marketing rules as they claimed that low prices are being flouted during the season to affects the prevailing prices in the whole sale Market.
SKM said that there is to much difference between the present prices of apple before announcement of rate by Adani as its counter part Railance Agriculture was offering Rs 125 to Rs 130 per kg price to growers. Samyukta Kisan Manch is already demanding that despite receiving huge subsidy of crores of rupees by Adani and other companies in the state, Horticulture Secretary to investigate the arbitrariness in purchase of apples from orchards. A committee should be constituted. In which experts from the field of horticulture, economics and agriculture should also be included along with the representatives of the horticulturists. This committee should review the agreement made with Adani and other companies and fix the terms of their business in a new way so that the interests of the planters are protected.They urged the government to immediately intervene to the exploitation regime by the Adani and other companies but it remains fail an agitation to be launched to stop exploitation against the Adani and other firm.