Shimla: Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh have expressed strong reservations over the Centre’s move to allow imports of apples from the United States at a revised price structure, warning that it could disrupt the state’s fragile horticulture economy.
Under the new arrangement linked to the India–US trade understanding, import duty on American apples has been slashed from 50 per cent to 20 per cent, while the Minimum Import Price (MIP) has been raised from ₹50 per kg to ₹80 per kg. Despite the higher MIP, growers say the landed cost of US apples will be around ₹100 per kg, putting them on par with premium Himachali produce.
Farmer leaders argue that this pricing leaves little room for domestic apples to remain competitive. Harish Chauhan, convener of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch, said premium apples grown in the hill state already fetch similar prices in wholesale markets. “When imported apples are available at the same rate as our best produce, buyers are likely to prefer the foreign fruit,” he said, adding that the move could weaken the demand for local varieties.
Chauhan also voiced concerns about the viability of controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, which are widely used by growers to extend the shelf life of apples. “If growers invest in storage and transport only to face competition from imported apples priced lower or at par, the entire economics of storage collapses,” he warned.
The Progressive Growers Association (PGA), another major body representing orchardists, echoed similar apprehensions. Its president, Lokinder Bisht, acknowledged that the MIP and residual import duty offer some protection but said the safeguards were insufficient. “The minimum price should have been closer to ₹100 per kg to truly shield local farmers,” he said.
Bisht added that any dip in the price of premium apples would have a cascading effect on lower-grade produce as well. He also called for caps on the quantity of apples imported at reduced tariffs, cautioning that unrestricted inflows could severely impact the state’s rural economy.
Not all voices from the farming community, however, see the decision as entirely negative. Dimple Panjta, president of the Himalayan Society for Horticulture and Agriculture Development, said local apples were capable of holding their own against global competition. “Rather than resisting imports, growers should focus on improving quality and productivity,” he said, urging the government to support farmers through subsidies, access to superior planting material and modern technology.
As the import policy begins to take effect, Himachal’s apple belt remains divided—caught between fears of market disruption and calls to adapt to a more competitive global trade environment.
