A forum representing apple growers from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reject any provision in the India-US trade talks that could harm growers of apples, almonds, walnuts, and other indigenous horticultural crops.
Appeal ahead of trade negotiations
The appeal comes as India-US negotiations are expected to begin in New Delhi tomorrow to finalise an interim trade agreement. In its letter, the Hill State Horticulture Forum expressed concern that farmers' and horticulturalists' interests could be undermined under the proposed deal.
“The US has repeatedly expressed its desire to secure greater access to the Indian agricultural market over the last few months. This has caused deep anxiety among farmers and horticulturalists as it would adversely affect their livelihood,” the letter stated.
Fear of tariff reductions
The Forum warned that India may reduce tariffs on several US agricultural products, including apples, almonds, walnuts, and processed fruits. It argued that Indian growers would struggle to compete with heavily subsidised US imports without adequate tariff protection.
The letter also questioned a proposal to allow imports of US apples above a Minimum Import Price (MIP), stating that it would not provide meaningful protection because US imports are already purchased at prices above the proposed threshold. “Consequently, such a mechanism would offer little practical relief to domestic producers,” the Forum said.
Impact on small and marginal farmers
The Forum noted that it would be unfair to compel small and marginal farmers to compete with highly subsidised agricultural imports from a developed economy. Horticulturalists growing apples, almonds, and walnuts depend heavily on these crops for their livelihoods, as the unique agro-climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand offer limited scope to shift to alternative crops.
“Any significant increase in imports resulting from tariff reductions would therefore have severe consequences for their livelihoods and the rural economy of these hill states,” the letter added.
Growers hopeful of PM's intervention
Harish Chauhan, convener of the Forum, expressed hope that the Prime Minister would consider the growers' concerns. “Considering how the increased import of highly subsidised US apples and other fruits could hit local growers, we are sure the Prime Minister would protect our interests,” Chauhan said.
