US apple imports deal to appease Trump admin, cry Indian growers
Shimla,: Indian apple growers are up in arms over the recent agreement to import US apples, alleging that the deal was made to appease the Trump administration at their expense.
According to Kashmir Media Service, growers claim that the Modi government’s decision to reduce import duties on US apples will devastate the local apple industry, and they’re demanding better protection and subsidies to compete with subsidized US imports.
The steep cut in import duty from 50% to 25% and the raised minimum import price (MIP) of Rs 80 per kg will make it difficult for local growers to compete with cheaper US imports.
“At this price, the US apple will pose huge competition to our produce,” said Harish Chauhan, convener of Sanyukt Kisan Manch (SKM). “The government’s claim that the US apple is landing in India at Rs 75 per kg prior to this deal is a joke. If that’s the case, why is it sold at Rs 200-250 per kg in retail?”
Growers are up in arms, demanding better protection and subsidies to compete with subsidized US imports. “The MIP should have been at least Rs 100 to offer more protection to local growers,” said Lokinder Bisht, president of the Progressive Growers Association (PGA).
The impact will be felt across the board, with premium apple growers worried about storing their produce in CA stores. “Why would anyone buy our premium apple at Rs 85-90 per kg and incur storage costs when the US apple is cheaper?” Chauhan asked.
Growers alleged that the Modi government made the deal to appease the Trump administration at the cost of local apple growers. The government’s move has left many wondering: can local apple growers survive this onslaught? The answer, it seems, lies in the government’s willingness to support its farmers.
“We lack government support and have a less-than-ideal climate. We need subsidies and better planting material to improve our quality and survive,” said Deepak Singha, an apple grower from Kotgarh.
