A strategic huddle in New Delhi between Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal spotlighted the apple growers’ SOS. Sukhu pressed for an immediate ban on apple imports during peak season, decrying how global trade is crippling local markets and farmer fortunes.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Himachal’s apple orchards are not just agricultural assets but cultural lifelines, dotting landscapes from Kotkhai to Rohru. Producing premium varieties like Royal Delicious and HRMN-99, the state battles imported substitutes that undercut quality with quantity. Last season’s import spike saw prices crash to Rs 30-50/kg, wiping out profits for smallholders who form 90% of growers.
In detailed submissions, the CM outlined data-backed impacts: reduced incomes leading to migration, orchard neglect, and loan defaults. He advocated for WTO-compliant safeguards, including anti-dumping probes and seasonal prohibitions, mirroring protections in other farm sectors.
Goyal responded positively, flagging the issue for inter-ministerial review. The meet also covered apple export strategies to markets like the Middle East and demands for subsidized polyhouses against climate change. Grower unions hailed the initiative, planning deputation follow-ups.
As monsoons recede and blossoms promise abundance, timely policy shifts are pivotal. A peak ban could inject Rs 1,000 crore extra into rural economies, per industry calculus. Sukhu’s persistence underscores a broader narrative: balancing free trade with fair play for India’s horticultural heartlands.