Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has formally intervened in the ongoing shortage of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer, urging Union Minister for Health and Chemicals & Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda to ensure its immediate revival and distribution for the state’s apple growers.
In an official communication, Rohit Thakur emphasized that the apple industry serves as the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy—generating approximately ₹6,000 crore annually and sustaining thousands of farming households. He pointed out that CAN (25%) has traditionally been the most economical and effective nitrogen source for local orchards.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the farming community following the halt in CAN production, Thakur noted that growers are being forced to rely on costly or unsuitable substitutes like urea, calcium nitrate, and mixed NPK blends. He cautioned that continuous urea application is raising serious concerns over soil acidification, structural soil degradation, and root damage in apple trees.
Furthermore, the Minister drew attention to reports of rising tree mortality and falling orchard productivity despite an overall expansion in apple cultivation area. He urged the Union Government to coordinate with fertilizer manufacturers to resume CAN production without delay.
Taking prompt note of the matter, Union Minister JP Nadda assured Thakur that the request is currently under active evaluation by the ministry’s concerned division and appropriate measures will be taken to protect the interests of horticulturists.
Expressing gratitude for the Centre’s swift response, Rohit Thakur reiterated that timely access to affordable and essential agricultural inputs remains vital to safeguarding orchardists and sustaining Himachal’s fruit economy.
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