Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi has warned that apple growers in Himachal Pradesh may have to resort to a protest similar to the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws to safeguard their livelihoods from the adverse effects of trade deals with the United States.
Minister's Stark Warning
Speaking to the media, Negi said, 'Around 700 farmers sacrificed their lives to force the government to withdraw the three farm laws. Apple growers may have to look for similar methods to put pressure on the government and save their livelihood.' He emphasized that a reduction in the import duty on US apples would devastate the local apple economy, which is valued at Rs 5,000 crore.
Trade Deal Concerns
India and the US are currently finalizing an interim trade deal in New Delhi. A joint forum of apple growers from Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him not to accept any terms that compromise their interests. Negi accused the central government of betraying growers, recalling that Modi had promised during the 2014 elections to raise import duty on apples from 70% to 100%, but instead reduced it to 50% and now faces pressure to lower it further.
Unilateral Terms
Negi claimed the deal is not bilateral but unilateral, with the US dictating terms. He noted that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has consistently raised the issue with the Centre without success. 'If the Centre continues to ignore the genuine concerns of farmers, they may have to resort to democratic means of protest to protect their interests,' he added.
