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Himachal CM Sukhu Slams FTA Apple Import Duty Cut, Warns of Grower Losses

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grave concern over the Centre's Free Trade Agreement policy reducing import duties on foreign apples. He warns this will make imported apples cheaper and severely undercut local growers, causing huge financial losses. The CM has met Union Minister Piyush Goyal and plans to send a state team to discuss safeguards with the central government. Sukhu argues that Himachal has already suffered from GST and other central policies, stressing the need for the hill state to become economically self-reliant.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu: FTA Apple Import Duty Hurts Growers

  • FTA import duty cuts threaten Himachal apples
  • CM warns of huge losses to growers
  • State to send team for Centre talks
  • Issue raised with Union Minister Piyush Goyal
  • Call for economic self-reliance for hill state
2 min read

FTA move on Apple imports to hurt Himachal growers, says CM Sukhu; govt to hold talks with centre

Himachal CM Sukhu warns FTA-driven apple import duty cuts will devastate local growers. State to hold talks with Centre for safeguards.

"Such decisions will severely impact our apple growers. - Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, January 30

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed concern over the Centre's Free Trade Agreement policy, saying the reduction in import duty on apples coming from foreign countries would adversely affect apple growers in the state and disrupt the local fruit market.

The Chief Minister said the state government would send a team to discuss the issue with the Union government.

"I will send a team to discuss the matter with the Union government," Sukhu said, referring to the impact of FTAs on Himachal's apple economy.

The Chief Minister said apple growers across Himachal Pradesh are worried that the Centre's policy of reducing import duties on apples under various FTAs would make foreign produce cheaper and uncompetitive for local farmers. He said he had recently met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior Union ministers, during which the issue was raised in detail.

Sukhu said the Centre has already constituted a team to assess how the reduction in import duty would affect domestic apple growers, and that the state government's representatives would also be part of the exercise.

Referring specifically to apple imports from New Zealand, the Chief Minister said the proposal to reduce import duty to 25 per cent would cause "huge losses" to Himachal's orchardists. He also pointed to recent developments involving European Union countries, where import duties on apples are being discussed at around 20 per cent under evolving trade arrangements.

"Such decisions will severely impact our apple growers," Sukhu said, adding that he had urged the Centre to also send a joint team of officials and apple growers to assess the ground-level impact.

The Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh has already suffered financially due to GST implementation, GST rationalisation and import duty-related decisions. "Whether it is GST or import duty, Himachal has only faced losses," he said.

Stressing the need for economic self-reliance, Sukhu said, "That is why I repeatedly say Himachal Pradesh must stand on its own feet, protect its resources and become self-reliant using its own assets."

He added that the increasing centralisation of power at the national level has also adversely affected hill states such as Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said the state government would continue to strongly represent the interests of apple growers and seek safeguards to protect the livelihood of orchardists under the FTA framework.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While FTAs are important for the country, we cannot sacrifice our farmers at the altar of trade. Himachal apples are superior in taste and quality. The government should impose strict quality checks and tariffs to ensure a level playing field. Good move by CM Sukhu to send a team.
A
Aman W
This is the reality of many hill states. First GST hit hard, now this. The central government's policies often don't consider the unique challenges of mountainous regions. Self-reliance is the only way forward for Himachal, as the CM says.
S
Sarah B
I respect the need to protect farmers, but we also need to be part of the global economy. Maybe the focus should be on helping Himachal growers improve yield and reduce costs to compete, rather than just blocking imports? Just a thought.
V
Vikram M
My uncle is an apple grower in Shimla. The anxiety is real. A bad season can wipe out savings. Adding foreign competition with lower duties is a direct threat. Hope the talks yield some protection for our annadata.
K
Karthik V
The government talks about vocal for local and Atmanirbhar Bharat. This FTA move seems opposite to that spirit. We should be promoting our own produce first. Jai Himachal! 🍎

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