Apple growers to protest on July 9 against duty-free US imports

Angered by the reported move to make imported apples from the US duty-free, apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir will hold statewide protests on July 9. The protest will be held under the banner of the Himachal Pradesh Apple Growers Association and the Apple Farmers Federation of India (AFFI), which announced the decision at a joint conference held recently.

The farmers’ associations expressed strong opposition to the Modi-led Central government’s purported plan to reduce or eliminate import tariffs on American apples — a move they say would have a devastating impact on the domestic apple industry across the northern hill states.

The apple growers also expressed concern over the fact that recently the Niti Aayog had recommended the government to make apples from US tariff-free. The apple growers considered this as a move that would affect the orchardists of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UT of Jammu and Kashmir, where most of the apples are produced.

The growers referred to earlier statements made by former US President Donald Trump, in which he had indicated his intent to push for lower tariffs on American agricultural exports, including apples. They fear that these ideas may now be taking shape through policy changes in India.

To oppose this move, the two associations have decided to join hands with workers’ unions and participate in the larger protest planned for July 9. Protests will be organised at block and district levels across Himachal Pradesh and a coordinated campaign will also be launched in the neighbouring states.

It was also resolved that apple growers from all three regions would reach out to their respective state governments and urge the Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K to take up the issue directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Himachal Tribune