Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Mixed Budget Expectations Ahead of 2026-27

As the Union Budget for 2026-27 approaches, residents of Himachal Pradesh express a blend of hope and concern regarding potential government support. While tourism operators and young residents are optimistic about targeted measures to bolster the economy, apple growers are voicing significant worries over the diminishing import duties on apples, which they believe threaten their livelihoods.

Apple Growers Struggle with Import Duty Reductions

Local apple farmer Nirmal Chander Negi from Kinnaur district articulated the sentiments of many in the agricultural sector. He stated, “I do not think that anything farmer-friendly will come in this budget from the Modi government. Whenever the issue of support price for Himachal apples is raised, the Centre allows apples to be imported from abroad, which is an injustice to local orchardists.”

Negi highlighted that the government has reduced import duties on foreign apples by 25 percent, which severely impacts local farmers who work hard for a fair price. He lamented the stagnation of apple prices, noting, “Ten years ago, an apple box fetched Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,800, and even today it is almost the same, while everything else has become ten times costlier.”

With the apple sector being a critical part of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, many farmers feel their concerns will not be addressed in the upcoming budget.

Tourism Sector Calls for Infrastructure Investment

In contrast, stakeholders in the tourism industry are hopeful that the budget will include provisions aimed at revitalizing infrastructure and supporting businesses that suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vijay Kumar Dhiman, a travel agent based in Shimla, emphasized the importance of tourism for local businesses, saying, “The better tourism performs in Himachal, the better our business runs.”

Dhiman urged the government to allocate a special package for the state, advocating for enhanced tourist infrastructure that could improve both the visitor experience and local job opportunities. “Tourists should leave happy so that they recommend Himachal to others,” he added.

Youths Seek Employment and Economic Stability

The youth of Himachal Pradesh also have high hopes for the Union Budget, focusing on job creation and economic safeguards, particularly for the apple-driven economy. Local resident Ankush Verma expressed concern over the impact of Free Trade Agreements, stating, “Import duties on apples have been reduced from 50 percent to 25 percent and even 20 percent in some cases, which directly affects our economy.”

Verma noted the disconnect between education and employment opportunities, pointing out, “Despite having degrees, many graduates and postgraduates are unable to find jobs matching their qualifications.” He called for incentives that encourage outside entrepreneurs to prioritize hiring local talent, asserting, “This is what we expect from the budget.”

As the budget date approaches, expectations in Himachal Pradesh remain varied. While apple farmers demand urgent policy changes to address import duties, tourism stakeholders and the youth hope for a budget that supports economic recovery and job growth.

In parliamentary developments, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently presented the Economic Survey of India, laying the groundwork for the Union Budget, which is scheduled for presentation on February 1, 2026. This marks her record ninth consecutive budget presentation, signifying a notable point in India’s economic narrative. The budget session will consist of 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2, with a recess planned from February 13 to March 9 to allow Standing Committees to review various ministries’ Demands for Grants.

As diverse sectors await the Union Budget’s announcements, the challenge will be balancing the needs of traditional agricultural sectors with the aspirations of a tourism-dependent economy.