Will seek double tariff on apple import: CM Sukhu

Amidst growing demand for ban on import of apples from Turkey, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said he will demand double tariff on import of apples from Turkey and other countries in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Talking to media persons here today, Sukhu said he will raise the issue concerning the apple growers of Himachal with the PM during the scheduled meeting of chief ministers with Modi at Delhi on May 24. “I will also write to the PM to take steps to impose double tariffs on apple import as the growers of Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir suffer losses due to import of cheap apples from abroad,” said Sukhu.

The CM said he will urge the PM to impose double tariff on import of apples from Turkey as it is the domain and authority of the Centre to act against any country with whom a trade agreement has been signed. “The import of apples from Turkey and US results in a steep fall in the prices of apples grown by Himachal orchardists. Himachal is known as the fruit bowl of India and growers work hard to cultivate quality fruit but are hit hard by apple import,” he said.

The demand for banning apple imports from Turkey — following Turkey siding with Pakistan in the recent Indo-Pakistan conflict — is gaining momentum in the state. Both Congress and BJP leaders have raised this demand. Apart from this, hoteliers and residents of Kullu-Manali have demanded the removal of a Turkish firm assigned the task of undertaking the survey for the setting up of the strategic Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line.

Himachal Tribune