Centre’s apple import duty cut a blow to HP orchardists: State min

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh education minister Rohit Thakur has strongly condemned the central govt's decision to reduce import duty on New Zealand apples from 50% to 25% under the free trade agreement (FTA), calling it a "direct betrayal" of the state's apple growers.Thakur, an MLA from the Jubbal-Kotkhai apple-growing belt, warned that such policies threaten the Rs 5,000-crore apple economy and the livelihoods of lakhs of families dependent on horticulture in the hill state. Thakur criticised the Centre for abandoning its assurances to protect domestic growers. He pointed out the drastic reduction in the market intervention scheme (MIS) budget—from Rs 4,000 crore in 2022–23 to just Rs 1 lakh in 2023–24—which undermines financial support for apples and other horticulture produce. Despite this, the Himachal govt spent nearly Rs 160 crore from its own resources over three years to help farmers, he added.Highlighting the broader risks, Thakur said the FTA with New Zealand could lead to similar concessions with other apple-exporting countries, including the US, Iran, and Afghanistan. He noted that imported apples, often priced below domestic production costs of Rs 45 per kg, could undercut local markets if duty reductions continue. This, he said, would destabilise Himachal's hill economy and affect growers investing in modern plantations and cold storage.Thakur also criticised the state's BJP leaders for prioritising loyalty to the Centre over farmers' interests. He demanded immediate corrective action, including rolling back duty cuts, restoring higher import duties, reviving the Centre's MIS share, and upholding commitments to domestic horticulture. He asserted that Himachal Pradesh would strongly resist policies that endanger its orchardists. MSID: 126173089 413 |