Shimla, July 31 -- A high-level meeting was held on Thursday between apple growers' associations of Himachal Pradesh and the state's Horticulture Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, to address key issues plaguing the horticulture sector.

The meeting, convened in the wake of recent Supreme Court directions and the ongoing agrarian crisis, focused on land rights, the impact of fungal diseases on crops, and market crashes due to premature harvesting.

Farmer leaders confirmed that on August 13, a massive statewide protest will be organised across Himachal Pradesh on farming issues.

The farmers also demanded that the government of India address on US tariff impositions on Indian apples. After the meeting, Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Joint Farme...