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Himachal Pradesh Intensifies Push for Ban on Turkish Apple Imports

Chief Minister Sukhu to present the demand to Prime Minister Modi at May 24 meeting, as farmers advocate for higher tariffs and minimum prices.

The apple industry in Himachal Pradesh is estimated to be worth ₹4,500 crore. (HT file)
An apple variety grown in Niğde Province, Turkey | Representational image | Wikimedia Commons
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Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (HT File)

Overview

  • Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced plans to formally request a ban on Turkish apple imports during a May 24 meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other state leaders.
  • Farmer organizations, led by Harish Chauhan of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch, submitted memoranda to the Governor and President, urging immediate action to protect the ₹4,500 crore domestic apple industry.
  • Farmers are also demanding an increase in the minimum import price to ₹100 per kilogram and higher tariffs on apple imports from all countries, including Turkey and the United States.
  • Turkey exports approximately 1.29 lakh metric tonnes of apples to India annually, earning ₹800 to ₹1,000 crore, a trend seen as detrimental to local growers in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.
  • The demand for a ban is tied to Turkey's political support for Pakistan, with farmer groups framing the issue as both economic and geopolitical, calling for decisive government action.