Himachal CM Advocates for Apple Import Restrictions to Protect Farmers

Meeting with Union Minister on Apple Import Policies

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, recently met with Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, in New Delhi. During their discussion, he urged for a ban on apple imports from July to November, coinciding with the apple production season.

In the meeting held late Friday, Sukhu also requested that the import duty on apples be increased to 100% during other months to discourage imports.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for central intervention to safeguard the interests of approximately 250,000 farmers engaged in apple cultivation, noting that apples account for 80% of the state's total fruit production.

He highlighted that this sector generates an annual income of ₹4,500 crores. Sukhu also raised this issue with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling for prompt action.

Furthermore, he informed Goyal about the concerns of state apple producers regarding the reduction of import duties. Sukhu pointed out that apple imports have nearly doubled over the past decade and are expected to increase further due to free trade agreements (FTAs).