Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal at New Delhi late last evening and strongly pleaded for banning apple imports during the apple production months, July to November. He also urged for increasing apple duty to 100 percent in other months in order to discourage apple imports.
He requested for intervention of Centre for protecting the interests of about 2.5 lakh farmers engaged in apple cultivation and added that apple contributes 80 percent to the state’s total fruit production. He said that it generates an annual income of 4500 crore.
Chief Minister has promptly taken up the issue of horticulturists who met him last week for redressal of their grievances. He also raised the matter with the Finance Minister and urged for speedy action.
The Chief Minister in his meeting with the Union Minister, apprised him about the concern of apple growers of the state regarding the reduction in import duty on apples. He said that apple imports have increased nearly two and a half times over the past ten years and added that this would increase the volume further due to the free trade agreement. He said that seasonal window for import of New Zealand apples is between April to August with 25 percent tariff, however for other months the previous 50 percent duty remains applicable .
He said that the various free trade agreements shall not only adversely affect the in season apple trade but also impact the price of apples stored in cold storage in the state and the off season trade. Principal Advisor to Chief Minister Ram Subhah Singh, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar were present in the meeting.
