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Key Points

Himachal CM Sukhu urged PM Modi to ban apple imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan to safeguard local farmers. He proposed a 50-50 cost-sharing model for Kangra Airport expansion with the Centre. Sukhu also raised concerns about unfair forest land classification affecting state funding. Additionally, he sought financial assistance for Himachal amid ongoing reforms.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Urges Modi to Ban Turkey Azerbaijan Apple Imports

  • Sukhu seeks ban on Turkish and Azerbaijani apples to protect Himachal farmers
  • Proposes 50-50 cost-sharing for Kangra Airport expansion with Centre
  • Highlights unfair forest land classification affecting state funds
  • Requests financial aid amid ongoing state reforms
2 min read

Urged PM Modi to ban apple imports from Turkey, Azerbaijan: Himachal CM Sukhu at NITI Aayog meet

Himachal CM Sukhu requests PM Modi to ban apple imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan to protect local orchardists, discusses Kangra Airport expansion and forest rights.

"I spoke to PM Modi that the prices of our orchards fall due to imported apples, which causes losses. - Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu"

New Delhi, May 25

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a ban on apple imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan.

He also discussed the state's proposal to share the cost of Kangra Airport expansion equally with the Centre, and sought financial assistance amid ongoing reforms.

Speaking to the mediapersons following the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting, Sukhu said, "...I spoke to PM Modi that the prices of our orchards fall due to imported apples, which causes losses. I also requested that a ban be imposed on apples from Turkey and Azerbaijan. He said that he would see to it that the import of apples does not cause orchardists of Himachal Pradesh to suffer losses... I also spoke to him about the expansion of Kangra Airport, and that 50 per cent of the expansion cost will be covered by us while the remaining 50 per cent by the centre."

Raising environmental concerns, Sukhu told the Planning Commission that Himachal's 68 per cent forest land and 28 per cent forest cover had been overlooked in Finance Commission parameters, adding that the cold deserts in the region were not being recognised as forest land, thereby depriving the state of its fair dues.

He further added, "I also said that our power projects, which receive loan waivers, should pay 50 per cent royalty to the state... I told him that our state is undergoing some reforms, so our financial condition is not good. So the state should be given some financial assistance... I told the Planning Commission that our forest land is 68 per cent, and our forest cover is 28 per cent. We have not been done justice in the parameters set by the Finance Commission. In the Niti Aayog meeting, we raised this point that our cold deserts are not counted as forest land..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday.

It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors representing 24 States and 7 UTs. This year's theme was Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047. The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally someone speaking up for our Himachali apple farmers! � These imports are killing local businesses. Why buy from Turkey when we have the best apples in Kinnaur and Shimla? Hope PM Modi takes swift action on this.
P
Priya M.
While I support local farmers, complete bans aren't the solution. Maybe impose higher import duties instead? We need balanced policies that protect farmers but don't isolate India from global trade. The airport expansion proposal makes more sense to boost tourism.
A
Arjun S.
Himachal's forest cover issue is serious. If 68% land is forest, why isn't it getting proper funds? Our hill states bear the burden of environmental protection while others reap benefits. CM Sukhu is right to raise this at NITI Aayog.
S
Sunita T.
As someone from Kangra, airport expansion is much needed! But 50-50 cost sharing seems unfair when HP is already financially stressed. Centre should bear more burden for infrastructure in border states.
V
Vikram J.
Before banning imports, our apple farmers need to improve quality and packaging. Turkish apples last longer and look better. Instead of protectionism, give our farmers better technology and cold storage facilities.
N
Neha P.
Good to see state CMs raising practical issues at NITI Aayog. But why only apple imports? What about other agricultural products? We need comprehensive policy for all hill state farmers, not piecemeal solutions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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