Srinagar, Dec 31 (KNO): The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, an elected apex body representing fruit growers’ associations across the Valley, has expressed deep concern over the reduction of import duty on apples from New Zealand under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Union has warned that the move could severely undermine the livelihoods of domestic apple growers in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In a detailed representation addressed to Union Minister for Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the growers, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the slashing of import duty from 50 per cent to 25 per cent has sent shockwaves through apple-growing regions, particularly Kashmir, where horticulture forms the backbone of the economy.
“The reduction in import duty has not only made New Zealand apples cheaper in Indian markets but has also raised fears that similar concessions may be extended to other apple-exporting countries,” the Union said, adding that growers have long been demanding an increase in import duty to ensure fair competition for domestic produce.
Growers warned that cheaper imports would naturally be preferred by traders, directly impacting the pricing of Kashmiri apples and pushing local produce into distress sales. “Our apple industry is already battling rising input costs, erratic weather patterns, pest attacks and high transportation expenses. This policy decision adds another heavy burden on small and marginal growers who are struggling to survive,” they said.
The concern is particularly acute at this time, as large quantities of locally produced apples are currently stored in cold storage facilities across the Valley. With cold storage facilities expected to open soon, growers were hopeful of securing fair market prices to recover their costs. “If imported apples flood the markets during this critical period, our produce will either be sidelined or sold at throwaway prices,” the Union cautioned.
Clarifying that they are not opposed to imports per se, the growers said that domestic interests must be safeguarded. “Trade should not come at the cost of our own farmers. Adequate safeguards are essential to protect local growers from unfair competition,” they said.
Highlighting the economic significance of horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union said the sector supports more than seven lakh families directly or indirectly and contributes substantially to the Union Territory’s economy. “Kashmir is rightly known as the ‘Land of Fruits’ and the ‘Fruit Bowl of Northern India’. Any policy that weakens this sector threatens the socio-economic stability of the region,” it asserted.
The growers also pointed to the cumulative impact of apple imports from multiple countries over the years, including Iran and the United States, saying that repeated influxes of imported apples have consistently depressed domestic prices and eroded growers’ incomes.
In view of these concerns, the Union has urged the Union Agriculture Minister to urgently intervene, roll back the decision to reduce import duty on New Zealand apples, and instead consider imposing a 100 per cent import duty to protect the interests of domestic apple growers.
“Timely corrective measures are crucial to save the horticulture industry of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Without strong policy support, the survival of lakhs of farming families is at stake,” the Union warned—(KNO)