CAN fertiliser shortage hits Himachal apple growers; Thakur writes to Centre
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh's ₹6,000 crore apple economy is under stress — not from weather or pests, but from the discontinuation of a single fertiliser. The CAN shortage is pushing growers toward costlier, less suitable alternatives, with farmers already reporting rising tree mortality and falling yields even as orchard area expands.
Key Takeaways
Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has written to the Union Government seeking resolution of the CAN fertiliser shortage affecting apple growers.
The apple sector contributes approximately ₹6,000 crore annually to Himachal Pradesh's rural economy and supports thousands of farming families .
Discontinuation of CAN production has forced growers to use costlier or less suitable alternatives such as urea , calcium nitrate , and NPK fertilisers .
Prolonged urea use risks soil acidification , structural soil damage, and harm to plant roots, according to the minister's letter.
Farmers have reported increased tree mortality and declining productivity despite expansion in apple cultivation area.
Nadda has assured that the matter is under examination, but no specific timeline for action has been announced.
Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has written to the Union Government urging immediate action on the shortage of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertiliser, warning that its unavailability is severely affecting apple growers across the state. The letter, sent from Shimla, highlights the threat to a sector that contributes approximately ₹6,000 crore annually to Himachal Pradesh's rural economy.
Why CAN Matters to Apple Orchards
CAN fertiliser has long been the preferred nitrogen source for apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, valued for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Since the discontinuation of its production, growers have been compelled to switch to alternatives — urea, calcium nitrate, and mixed NPK fertilisers — that are either more expensive or less compatible with the specific nutrient demands of apple orchards.
Minister Thakur flagged particular concern over the prolonged use of urea, citing risks including soil acidification, deterioration of soil structure, and potential damage to plant root systems — all of which could have lasting consequences for orchard productivity.
Farmers Report Rising Tree Mortality
According to Thakur's letter, farmers across the state have reported increased mortality and declining productivity of apple trees, even as the area under apple cultivation has expanded. This contradiction — more land under orchards, yet falling yields — points to a deepening agronomic crisis that officials argue is directly linked to the fertiliser gap.
The apple industry is described as a critical pillar of Himachal Pradesh's rural economy, sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of farming families. Any sustained decline in orchard health, critics argue, could have cascading effects on rural incomes in the hill state.
Centre's Response
Union Minister J.P. Nadda responded to Thakur's letter, assuring him that the matter was under examination by the relevant division. Nadda indicated that necessary action would be taken keeping in view the interests of horticulturists, though no specific timeline or intervention was announced.
Thakur expressed hope that the Centre would act swiftly and ensure the availability of suitable and affordable fertilisers for apple growers at the earliest.
What Happens Next
Thakur has urged the Union Government to engage directly with fertiliser manufacturers and concerned authorities to facilitate the resumption of CAN production and supply. He stressed that timely access to essential agricultural inputs is indispensable for protecting orchardists and sustaining the broader apple economy of Himachal Pradesh. The matter remains under review at the Centre, with no formal resolution announced as of 4 September.
Point of View
Under what regulatory framework, and why no substitute supply arrangement was secured before the gap widened. With ₹6,000 crore and thousands of livelihoods at stake, a letter and a vague assurance are not enough.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAN fertiliser shortage issue in Himachal Pradesh?
Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), a key nitrogen fertiliser for apple orchards in Himachal Pradesh, has become unavailable following the discontinuation of its production. Apple growers have been forced to use costlier or less suitable alternatives, leading to soil health concerns and declining orchard productivity.
How significant is the apple industry to Himachal Pradesh?
The apple industry contributes approximately ₹6,000 crore annually to Himachal Pradesh's rural economy and supports the livelihoods of thousands of farming families, making it one of the state's most important agricultural sectors.
What risks does urea pose as a substitute for CAN in apple orchards?
According to Education Minister Rohit Thakur's letter, prolonged use of urea in apple orchards risks soil acidification, deterioration of soil structure, and damage to plant root systems — all of which can reduce long-term orchard productivity.
What has the Union Government said about the CAN shortage?
Union Minister J.P. Nadda responded to Thakur's letter stating that the matter is under examination by the relevant division and that necessary action will be taken in the interests of horticulturists. No specific timeline or intervention measure has been announced.
What has Himachal Pradesh requested from the Centre?
The state has urged the Union Government to engage with fertiliser manufacturers and concerned authorities to facilitate the resumption of CAN production and ensure its timely and affordable availability for apple growers across Himachal Pradesh.
