Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made a strong plea to the Union government to protect local apple growers. He met with Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Friday evening. The Chief Minister specifically requested a complete ban on apple imports during the key production months from July to November.
Urgent Call for Higher Import Duties
Sukhu did not stop at just asking for a seasonal ban. He also urged Goyal to increase the import duty on apples to 100 percent for the remaining months of the year. This move aims to discourage imports outside the peak season. The Chief Minister emphasized that this intervention is crucial to safeguard the livelihoods of approximately 2.5 lakh farmers in Himachal Pradesh who depend on apple cultivation.
Economic Significance of Apples in Himachal
The apple industry is a cornerstone of Himachal Pradesh's economy. Sukhu highlighted that apples contribute a massive 80 percent to the state's total fruit production. This vital sector generates an impressive annual income of around ₹4500 crore for the state. Protecting this revenue stream is essential for the financial stability of thousands of families.
Following his meeting with Goyal, the Chief Minister also raised the same concerns with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He pressed for swift action from the central government to address the growing threat from imported apples.
Growing Threat from Increased Imports
Chief Minister Sukhu informed Minister Goyal about the serious worries of Himachal's apple growers. Their primary concern is the reduction in import duties on apples coming into India. Sukhu pointed out that apple imports have surged dramatically, increasing nearly two-and-a-half times over the last decade.
Impact of Free Trade Agreements
The Chief Minister warned that this import volume is likely to climb even higher due to existing and future free trade agreements. He provided a specific example regarding apples from New Zealand. Currently, these apples can be imported with a 25 percent tariff during a seasonal window from April to August. For the rest of the year, the previous duty of 50 percent applies.
Sukhu expressed deep concern that various free trade pacts will have a double negative effect. They will not only harm the trade of in-season apples grown in Himachal but will also destabilize the market for apples stored in the state's cold storage facilities. This would severely impact off-season trade as well, putting the entire annual apple economy at risk.
The Chief Minister's appeal in Delhi underscores a critical moment for Himachal Pradesh's agricultural sector. The state's leadership is actively seeking central government support to ensure the survival and prosperity of its iconic apple industry and the farmers who sustain it.
