Himachal Farmers to Hold ‘Jan Aakrosh Rally’ in Delhi Against Trade Deal and Policy Changes

March 24, 2026

Himachal Pradesh farmers and orchardists will hold a ‘Jan Aakrosh Rally’ at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan today to protest against the Centre’s proposed trade deal with the United States, reduction in import duty on apples from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, restoration of the old MGNREGA scheme, and the implementation of four new labour laws.

The protest has been called by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Agricultural and Rural Labour Union. A large number of farmers and orchardists, including many women, reached Delhi late last night to participate in the rally.

Apple Industry Worth Rs 5,500 Crore at Risk: Sohan Thakur

CPI(M) leader and apple grower Sohan Thakur said that the Centre’s decision to reduce import duty on American apples from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, and to 20 per cent for European Union apples, is against the interests of local producers.

He warned that cheaper foreign apples entering Indian markets would severely impact domestic farmers, potentially destroying Himachal’s Rs 5,500 crore apple industry. In a hill state like Himachal Pradesh, where a large population depends on apple farming, such a move could directly hit farmers’ incomes.

Over 3,000 Farmers Reach Delhi: Rakesh Singha

Former CPI(M) MLA from Theog, Rakesh Singha, said that more than 3,000 farmers and orchardists from Himachal have gathered in Delhi to fight for their rights.

He added that apart from the issue of import duty on apples, several other demands will be raised during the rally, including the restoration of the old MGNREGA scheme.

Singha also stated that protests will be held against the four new labour laws introduced by the Centre, claiming that these laws weaken workers’ rights and make them more vulnerable. The protesters will demand that these laws be rolled back.

Centre Accused of Harming Farmers’ Interests

Singha alleged that by pursuing a trade deal with the United States, the central government is attempting to harm farmers across the country.

He said that thousands of farmers, orchardists, and labourers from various states, along with those from Himachal, are expected to participate in the protest.

Ahead of the march to Delhi, awareness campaigns, including village meetings and street plays, were conducted to inform people about how these policies could impact farmers, orchardists, and the rural economy.