Latest news with #SanyuktKisanManch
India Gazette
21-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Increase import duty on Turkish apples to at least 100 pc, Himachal CM writes to PM Modi
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 21 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase the import duty on apples from 50 per cent to at least 100 per cent to discourage the import of apples from Turkey and to safeguard the interests of the apple growers of the state. He also urged that quantitative restrictions should be imposed on imported apples, an official release said. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh is known as the country's 'Apple Bowl' and is famous for producing delicious varieties of apples. The apple is the prime cash crop of the State and generates an income of about Rs. 4500 crore annually. He said that about 10 lakh man-days are generated due to the apple crop, thereby providing direct and indirect employment to more than 2.50 lakh families. Chief Minister Sukhu stated that apples are currently being imported from nearly 31 countries. About 5.19 lakh metric tonnes of fresh apples were imported during the year 2024, an increase of 500 times compared to the 1100 metric tonnes imported during the year 1998. He said that the import share from Turkey increased during the year 2020 and recorded the highest increase, 1.29 lakh metric tonnes, during 2023. He said that a substantial 1.17 lakh metric tonnes of apples were imported from Turkey in 2024, which is 23 per cent of the total apple imports. The Chief Minister said that apples from Turkey have been flooding the Indian markets in recent years, posing a great threat to the country's apple growers. The influx of apples from Turkey has not only undermined the competitiveness of local apple producers but also jeopardised the livelihoods of small and marginal apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Sukhu also said that he would personally discuss the issue of enhancing the import duty on apples procured from Turkey with the Prime Minister during his upcoming visit to Delhi. Meawhile, 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. Turkey had backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in which India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to Pahalgam terror attack. Turkey has also provided military equipment to Islamabad. A joint delegation of fruit growers and farmers, led by Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch Convener Harish Chauhan, earlier submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and President through the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal growers seek ban on Turkish apples
The Sanyukt Kisan Manch, Himachal Pradesh, a body of farmers, on Tuesday sought a ban on the import of Turkish apples, citing Turkey's support to Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. A delegation of the SKM called on Himachal governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhawan in Shimla and submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the governor. Demands to ban Turkish apples have been gaining momentum across the state. Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said he will take up the matter with PM Modi. SKM convener Harish Chauhan apprised the governor that India imports apples from around 44 countries, with Turkey exporting nearly 1.29 lakh metric tonnes apples to India annually. He said Turkey earns approximately ₹1,000 crore from apple exports to India. 'Turkey tops the list of countries exporting apples to India. It is hurting local growers. The farmers of Himachal, especially those in the apple belt, are the worst hit,' Chauhan said. The delegation urged the Centre not to reduce import duties on apples, highlighting past lobbying efforts by Turkey and the United States for zero duty. Chauhan called for the minimum import price (MIP) to be raised to at least ₹00 per kg and for higher import duties on apples from all countries to protect domestic growers. Expressing support, governor Shukla said the matter concerns the economic well-being of the state and the interests of farmers must be protected. He assured the delegation that he will forward the memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi. Kotkhai delegation calls on CM A delegation from Tharonk in Kotkhai area of Shimla district called on CM Sukhu and urged him to take up the matter of ban on import of Turkish apples with the Centre immediately. The delegation demanded construction of a link road from Koku nullah to Gharok and drinking water supply scheme from Katch nullah to Gharok. They invited the CM to visit the area. Sukhu directed the officers to prepare detailed project reports (DPR) for both the projects.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sanyukt Kisan Manch demands ban on Turkish apple imports
1 2 3 Shimla: A delegation of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch met governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a ban on the import of apples from Turkey. The convener of the Manch, Harish Chauhan, informed the governor that India currently imports apples from around 44 countries, with Turkey alone exporting nearly 1.29 lakh metric tonnes. He said Turkey earned approximately Rs 800 to 1,000 crore from apple exports to India. Highlighting the significance of the apple industry in Himachal, Chauhan informed the governor that the state produces between six to ten lakh metric tonnes of apples every year, and nearly three or four lakh families were directly dependent on this sector. Banning apple imports from Turkey will not only boost the economy of the state but also send a strong message against countries that support terrorism and maintain close ties with Pakistan, he added. The governor expressed support for the demands of the Kisan Manch and assured the delegation that their memorandum would be forwarded to the President and the Prime Minister. He said the matter directly concerned the economic well-being of the state and the interests of the farmers and orchardists must be protected.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Clamour to ban import of apples from Turkiye grows louder
The clamour to ban the import of apples from Turkiye, which supports Pakistan in India's fight against terrorism, continues to grow louder. In Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, a delegation from the Sanyukt Kisan Manch, an amalgamation of over two dozen farmer and horticulturist groups from the State, on Tuesday (May 20, 2025) met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla with a memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for a ban on the import of apples from Turkiye. Separately, a delegation from Tharonk village in the Kotkhai area of Shimla district met Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and demanded that the issue of a complete ban on the import of Turkish apples be taken up with the Union Government. Sanyukt Kisan Manch convener Harish Chauhan said India currently imports apples from around 44 countries, with Turkiye exporting nearly 1.29 lakh metric tonnes of apples to India annually. Turkiye earns approximately ₹800 crore to ₹1,000 crore from apple exports to India, Mr. Chauhan said. Himachal Pradesh produces between six to 10 lakh metric tonnes of apples every year, and about three lakh to four lakh families depended directly on the sector, the farmer leader said. 'Banning apple imports from Turkiye would not only boost the economy of the State but also send a strong message to countries that support terrorism and maintain close ties with Pakistan,' he added. Mr. Sukhu said on Monday (May 19, 2025) that he would write to the Prime Minister seeking such a ban. He also said he would personally speak with Mr. Modi on May 24, when he is due to meet the PM at a scheduled gathering of all Chief Ministers.
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)
