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Himachal CM Demands 100% Import Duty, Seasonal Ban to Save Apple Growers

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urgently requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to protect the state's apple growers. He demanded a 100% import duty on foreign apples and a complete seasonal ban on imports during Himachal's peak production months. The CM highlighted that a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand has caused a surge in imports, crashing local prices and threatening livelihoods. He emphasized that the apple economy supports approximately 2.5 lakh families and generates Rs. 4,500 crore annually for the state.

Key Points: Himachal CM Seeks 100% Duty, Import Ban to Protect Apple Economy

  • Urges 100% import duty on apples
  • Demands seasonal import ban from July-November
  • Warns of livelihood crisis for 2.5 lakh families
  • Cites damaging impact of FTA with New Zealand
2 min read

CM Sukhu demands 100% import duty to save Himachal's apple economy, seasonal ban on imports

Himachal CM Sukhu urges Finance Minister Sitharaman for a 100% apple import duty and a seasonal import ban to shield state growers from foreign competition.

"This is not just about fruit, it is about the livelihood and sustenance of 2.5 lakh families - Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, January 15

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, urging the Union Government to intervene urgently on behalf of the state's apple growers against the crippling influx of foreign apples.

Advocating strongly for the interests of over 2.5 lakh apple growers, the Chief Minister urged for including apples in the 'special category' to shield domestic growers from unfair International competition.

The Chief Minister urged an immediate ban on all apple imports during the peak Himachal production window, i.e. July to November and a hike in import duty of apples to 100 per cent during off-season months to discourage foreign dumping. He requested for quantitative restriction be imposed on apple imports.

The Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister that a delegation of progressive orchardists of the State also met him on Tuesday, and they raised their concern over the reduction of import duty on apples being imported from New Zealand, which has adversely affected the interests of local orchardists.

Chief Minister highlighted that Himachal Pradesh, known as the 'Apple State of India,' generates an annual income of approximately Rs. 4,500 crore from apple production, contributing nearly 80 per cent of the state's total fruit production.

'"This is not just about fruit, it is about the livelihood and sustenance of 2.5 lakh families and the generation of 10 lakh man-days of employment," the CM stated.

"Our small and marginal farmers are being pushed to the brink by trade policies that favour foreign corporations over Indian soil," he remarked.

The Chief Minister expressed grave concern over the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, noting that imports have surged 2.5 times over the past ten years. He said that the 25 per cent duty exemption for New Zealand apples during the April August window was crashing prices for local apples stored in CA/cold storage facilities, effectively destroying the off-season trade for Himachal's growers.

He said that effective steps were to be taken to protect the livelihood of small and marginal farmers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While protecting local growers is important, a 100% import duty seems extreme and could lead to retaliation. We need balanced trade policies. Maybe focus on improving cold storage and supply chains for Himachal apples so they can compete better?
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Priya S
As someone from Shimla, I've seen the struggle firsthand. My uncle is an orchardist. The prices have crashed so badly. A seasonal ban during July-Nov is a very practical demand. Our economy runs on apples. Jai Himachal! 🍎
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Vikram M
This is the right approach. Atmanirbhar Bharat means protecting our core agricultural sectors first. 4500 crore economy and lakhs of jobs are at stake. The centre must listen to CM Sukhu.
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Aman W
Good step, but long-term solution? Need better branding for "Himachal Apple" like "Washington Apple". Also, what about Kashmir apples? They face same issue. Need a united front for all Indian apple growers.
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Nisha Z
Completely agree! When we buy apples, we always look for Himachal ones. They taste better and support our farmers. The government should also launch a "Desi Apple, Behtar Apple" campaign to encourage consumers.

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