Qwen
Highlights:
- Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh express concerns over reduced tariffs on U.S. apples under the ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations.
- Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore warns that cheaper American apples, especially Red Delicious variety, could flood Indian markets and hurt local farmers.
- The letter has been addressed to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urging him to safeguard domestic agricultural interests.
- Himachal Pradesh produces over 80% of India’s total apple output, making it a key region for the country’s apple economy.
- Farmers fear that lowering import duties will lead to price crashes and threaten livelihoods.
Full News Report:
Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh are sounding the alarm over fears that proposed tariff reductions under the ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations could severely impact their livelihoods by opening the floodgates to cheaper American apples.
Concerns have intensified following a letter sent by Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, warning that the U.S. negotiation team is aggressively pushing for cuts in import duties on American apples—particularly the Red Delicious variety—which directly competes with the primary apple crop grown in Himachal Pradesh.
Rathore, who represents the Theog constituency, emphasized the potential economic fallout for local farmers. “Himachal Pradesh accounts for more than 80% of India’s apple production. Any move that allows heavily subsidized American apples into our market at lower prices will devastate our farmers,” he wrote in his letter.
The MLA urged the government to protect the interests of domestic producers while finalizing any trade agreement with the United States. He also called for greater consultation with stakeholders before making commitments that could undermine the agricultural sector.
Apple farming is a lifeline for thousands of families in the hill state, particularly in districts like Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti. The produce not only supports local economies but also contributes significantly to India’s fruit export basket.
Farmers and industry experts warn that American apples, often produced using high-tech orchards and backed by heavy government subsidies, could easily undercut Indian prices if tariffs are lowered. Currently, import duties on U.S. apples stand at around 30%, which acts as a buffer against cheaper imports.
Trade analysts say that while India seeks broader market access for its goods and services in the U.S., concessions on agricultural imports must be carefully calibrated to avoid harming domestic producers.
This is not the first time that farm groups in Himachal Pradesh have raised concerns about trade deals. In the past, they have opposed agreements that failed to consider the vulnerability of small and marginal farmers to international competition.
As negotiations between India and the U.S. continue, all eyes are now on how the government balances trade diplomacy with the protection of critical agricultural sectors. For Himachal’s apple growers, the outcome of these talks could determine the future of one of the state’s most iconic industries.
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