The Kullu area, which sends four representatives to the 68-member Himachal Pradesh assembly, has identified falling apple market prices, the need for a medical college, and support for tourism as significant electoral themes. Apple cultivation is now a loss-making business, according to horticulturists, as a result of rising input costs brought on by higher fertiliser and pesticide prices as well as diminished government support.
The Kullu region has four assembly seats: Manali, Kullu Sadar, Banjar, and Anni. The region’s economy is reliant on tourism and horticulture. “Apple growers in this area are dissatisfied as rates have decreased to those of 2012 and 2013. The Adani Ambanis also manipulate the exchange rates. “This issue will affect elections in all four of the constituencies in this apple belt,” Manali apple grower Naresh Chaudhary said.