Will look into import protection for Kashmir apple growers: Piyush Goyal
Goyal was addressing a trade conclave organised by the Federation of Trade and Industry of India (FTII) in Srinagar. The conclave was also attended by J&K Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana and chairman of National Trade Welfare Board Sunil Singh.
Goyal said he will 'talk to the agriculture ministry' on the demands of the apple growers. He said that the stakeholders of the apple industry have requested for protection of the apple fruit from the imports.
'The industry has requested for more protection on this fruit, which at present attracts a minimum import price (MIP) Rs 50 per Kg and 50 per cent import duty,' Goyal said. He said that after factoring in all the costs, the consumers pay Rs 125 to Rs 150 per kilogram. He said there is a need to balance the interests of the growers and consumers.
While the apple produce from Kashmir and Himachal is supplied to different parts of the country, India still imports around six lakh tonnes of apple to meet shortages. On a suggestion from the union territory's handicrafts industry to reduce the GST from 12 percent to 5 percent, Goyal said he would take up the issue.
'I will see how to bring it in the 5 per cent bracket,' he said. 'But we will try to find a solution'.
On the Pahalgam terror attack, Goyal said that the people of Kashmir had given 'a befitting reply to the terrorists'.
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