New Delhi, Dec 23 (PTI) — India has linked quota-based duty concessions on apples, kiwifruit and Manuka honey imported from New Zealand to the delivery of agriculture productivity action plans committed under the free trade agreement, officials said.
The commerce ministry said implementation of these plans will be monitored by a Joint Agriculture Productivity Council (JAPC), underlining that the arrangement seeks to balance market access with protection of sensitive domestic farm sectors. “All tariff rate quotas for apples, kiwifruit and Manuka are linked to delivery on agriculture productivity action plans and monitored by a JAPC,” the ministry said.
As part of the pact, New Zealand has agreed to focused action plans to improve productivity, quality and sectoral capabilities in India, including centres of excellence, better planting material, capacity building for growers, technical support for orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains and food safety. Projects covering premium apple cultivation and sustainable beekeeping are expected to boost domestic output and quality.
New Zealand has said it is the first country to receive duty concessions for apples under such an agreement. India currently levies a 50 per cent import duty on apples. Under the pact, concessions will apply within a tariff rate quota and minimum import price framework to safeguard domestic farmers.
India imports about 31,393 tonnes of apples worth USD 32.4 million annually from New Zealand, against total apple imports of over 519,650 tonnes valued at USD 424.6 million. Under the agreement, duty concessions will initially apply to 32,500 tonnes, rising to 45,000 tonnes by the sixth year at a reduced duty of 25 per cent and a minimum import price of USD 1.25 per kg. Imports beyond the quota will attract the existing 50 per cent duty.
The agreement provides that market access for apples, kiwifruit, Manuka honey and albumins from New Zealand will be managed through tariff rate quotas with safeguards to ensure quality imports and consumer choice while protecting Indian farmers.
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