Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Demands Ban on Apple Imports During Peak Season

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has strongly urged the Centre to impose a complete ban on apple imports from July to November, the peak apple season in Himachal Pradesh, citing serious threats to the state’s apple-based economy.

During a meeting with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi late Friday evening, Sukhu also demanded that the import duty on apples be raised to 100 per cent during the remaining months to discourage foreign imports.

The Chief Minister said the move was essential to safeguard the interests of nearly 2.5 lakh apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, adding that apples contribute nearly 80 per cent of the state’s total fruit production and support an economy worth around Rs 4,500 crore.

Raising concerns over reduced import duties, Sukhu pointed out that apple imports have increased nearly 2.5 times over the past decade and could rise further due to various free trade agreements (FTAs). He noted that New Zealand apples are imported between April and August at a concessional duty of 25 per cent, while a 50 per cent duty applies during the remaining months.

“The impact of FTAs will not only hurt apple growers during the peak season but will also depress prices of apples stored in cold storages, affecting off-season trade,” Sukhu warned.

Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhah Singh and Secretary Rakesh Kanwar were also present during the meeting.

Delhi Talks Yield Assurances for Hill State

Chief Minister Sukhu said his meetings with Union ministers in Delhi were productive, with several long-pending issues related to Himachal Pradesh discussed.

He said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured him that a region-specific approach would be considered while finalising fiscal devolution, grants and disaster management frameworks for hill states. She also agreed to examine Himachal’s demand for additional borrowing of 2 per cent over its GSDP.

Sukhu added that he raised concerns regarding apple imports with both Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal, and also discussed Himachal’s share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

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