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India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Himachal apple farmers demand complete ban on Turkish imports citing support to Pakistan
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 20 (ANI): Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh have demanded a complete ban on the import of Turkish apples into India, citing Turkey's political stance during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. A joint delegation of fruit growers and farmers, led by Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch Convener Harish Chauhan, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and President through the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to ANI, Chauhan expressed deep anger over Turkey's support to Pakistan, particularly during Operation Sindoor. 'Turkey is an ally of our enemy nation. It supported Pakistan during a critical time when India was fighting against Pakistan. At the same time, back in February 2023, when a devastating earthquake hit Turkey, the Government of India helped them on humanitarian grounds. In return, Turkey stabbed us in the back by aiding Pakistan,' he said.' Chauhan said Turkey currently tops the list of countries exporting apples to India, a trend he claims is hurting local growers. 'The farmers of Himachal, especially those in the apple belt, are the worst affected. That is why we are demanding a complete ban and boycott of all Turkish apple imports into India,' he said. The delegation pointed out that India spends between Rs800 to Rs1,000 crore annually on apple imports, with a significant chunk going to Turkey. 'We must strike at the economic roots of enemy-supporting nations like Turkey. If we stop importing Turkish apples, it will break their economic backbone while benefiting our own farmers,' Chauhan added. He said the Governor assured the delegation that their memorandum would be forwarded to the Prime Minister and President. Chauhan also thanked farmer groups and traders across Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, who have pledged to boycott Turkish apples. 'Through the media, I want to thank the people of India, traders, and farmer groups who have taken a vow not to eat or buy Turkish apples. 140 crore Indians have decided not to consume these apples, and that sends a powerful message,' he said. The delegation also urged the central government not to reduce import duties on apples, highlighting past lobbying efforts by Turkey and the United States for zero duty. 'If the government reduces import duty on apples, it will be nothing short of a death warrant for farmers in Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand,' Chauhan said. He called for the minimum import price (MIP) to be raised to at least Rs100 per kg and for higher import duties on apples from all countries, including Iran, to protect domestic growers. 'This is our demand, and we hope the Indian government takes swift action in the interest of our farmers,' he said. The farmers' strong demand to ban Turkish apple imports highlights their determination to protect local livelihoods and send a clear message against foreign support to adversaries. (ANI)
New Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Stop import of Turkish apples, say Himchal Pradesh growers
CHANDIGARH: The apple growers of Himachal Pradesh, who play a key role in making an apple economy worth Rs 5,000 crore in the hill state, demanded on Saturday that India halt the import of Turkish apples and avoid further reducing the import tariff on Washington apples. Their resolve follows Turkey openly supporting Pakistan when India launched Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Sanyukt Kisan Manch (SKM), Himachal Pradesh, convener Harish Chauhan, said that they will meet Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on May 20 and hand him a memorandum for PM Narendra Modi demanding a pause on the import of Turkish apples. He stated that the import of apples from Iran should also be stopped. Besides, the import tariff on Washington apples should not be further reduced, and the Minimum Import Price (IMP) on apples should be Rs 100 per kilogram. Last year, the Centre announced that it would levy Rs 50 per kg IMP on the import of apples from abroad, but that was not implemented. 'The apple season will start in mid-July, and this year, the apple crop is expected to be the same as last year's (2.18 crore boxes). Import of apples from Turkey and Iran impacts our apple growers, as a kg of the fruit from Turkey and Iran costs between Rs 60 and Rs 65, and Rs 40 per kg, respectively. Our cost of production is approximately Rs 40 per kg. We sell our best apple in the running market for approximately Rs 50-Rs 60 per kg,'' he said. Chauhan further said that 1.10 million metric tons of apples were imported from Turkey in 2022, which rose to 1.29 million metric tons in 2023. However, Turkey's imports fell to only 1.11 million metric tons last year.
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Himachal farmers demand ban on Turkish apples
CHANDIGARH: Apple growers of Himachal Pradesh, who contribute around Rs 5,000 crore to the apple economy of the hill state, have demanded that India should stop importing Turkish apples. They also demanded that the import tariff on Washington apples should not be decreased further. The demand came following the discontent among Indians after Turkey expressed open support for Pakistan after 'Operation Sindoor'. Talking to TNIE, Sanyukt Kisan Manch (SKM), Himachal Pradesh, convener Harish Chauhan said that they will be meeting Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on May 20 to discuss the issue. They will be handing him a memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the import of Turkish apples should be stopped by the Union government in India. They have also demanded that the import of apples from Iran should not be allowed, and the import tariff on Washington apples should not be decreased further. The Minimum Import Price (IMP) on apples, which were imported from various countries, should be Rs 100 per kilogram. Last year, the union government announced that it would levy Rs 50 per kg IMP on the import of apples from abroad, but that was not implemented. "The apple season of Himachal Pradesh will start from mid-July, and it is expected that this year the apple crop will almost be the same as last year (2.18 crore boxes)," said Harish Chauhan. He also said that the apple growers are badly impacted because of the import of apples from Turkey and Iran. "Per kg of apple from Turkey costs between Rs 60 to Rs 65, and that from Iran costs anywhere between Rs 38 to Rs 40 per kg."
