Overview

• Traders across India have effectively halted the import of Turkish apples, which previously made up 23% of the country's apple imports in 2023–24.
• The boycott was triggered by Turkey's vocal support for Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 tourists.
• Kashmiri apple growers, who supply three-quarters of India's apples, are seeing increased demand and higher prices for their produce during what is typically the off-season.
• State governments in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are advocating for formal bans and higher tariffs on Turkish apples to protect local growers.
• Favorable agricultural conditions and improved infrastructure in Kashmir have positioned local growers to capitalize on this market shift, though long-term gains depend on sustained demand and expanded cold storage capacity.