Srinagar, Feb 27 (PTI) — Apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will stage a protest in Delhi next month against the proposed duty concession on US apples, seeking to protect domestic farmers from potential losses.
India has granted a quota-based duty concession to the United States on apple imports under an interim trade pact. As a result, US apples will enter the Indian market without import duties within the specified quota.
Growers fear that the influx of US apples could flood the domestic market and deal a major blow to Indian farmers.
“We have formed the Apple Farmers Federation of India (AFFI), comprising apple growers from Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. We have decided to protest in Delhi in March against the trade deal,” Kulgam MLA and trade union leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami told reporters here.
Tarigami said the AFFI has appealed to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha to stand in solidarity with apple farmers across the country who are facing threats to their livelihood.
“The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which compelled the government to repeal the three farm laws after protests lasting more than a year, has assured us of its support. Their leadership has promised to join the protest,” he said.
Commenting on the Indo-US trade deal, Tarigami described it as “practically a surrender” before the United States.
“In this trade deal, the US has restricted India from buying oil from Russia. If our country has to purchase something, we must consider the wishes of the US. That would mean we are not sovereign in our trade decisions,” he said.
The Kulgam MLA said the apple industry forms the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.
“There are some small industrial units in Jammu, but not many here. Handicrafts, once a strong sector, are also declining. Apples are our last hope, but we cannot compete with American apples,” he added. (PTI)