Shimla, Sept. 5 -- Education minister Rohit Thakur on Friday raised the issue of the non-availability of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertiliser with Union minister for health and chemicals and fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda, highlighting the difficulties faced by apple growers across Himachal Pradesh. In a letter, Thakur apprised Nadda that the apple industry contributes around Rs.6,000 crore annually to the state's rural economy and following the discontinuation of CAN manufacturing, horticulturists have been forced to rely on alternatives such as urea, calcium nitrate and mixed NPK fertilisers. "These are either not well suited to the specific nutrient requirements and application schedules of apple orchards or are considerably more expensive," Thakur said. Responding to the letter, Nadda assured Thakur that the matter was being examined by the concerned division. He further stated that necessary action would be taken keeping the interests of horticulturists in view. HTC...