Kashmir: Opposition calls out Centre’s cutting of duty on U.S. apples

Opposition to Centre's move to relax import duty on US apples grows in Kashmir; KCCI terms it "astounding" & warns of "doom" on ₹9,000cr apple industry. Political parties & traders urge Centre to rollback decision, citing impact on livelihood of millions & local growers.

Opposition from traders and political parties grew on Tuesday in Kashmir against the Centre’s move to relax import duty by 20% for apples imported from the United States of America.

The Opposition urged the Centre to announce the immediate rollback of the decision made during the recently concluded G-20 meeting. 

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry termed the Centre’s move “astounding” to remove the additional import duty on apples, walnuts, and almonds imported from the USA. 

“Such an untimely decision will not only harshly impact nearly seven lakh apple grower families of Kashmir. It will adversely impact the livelihood of millions others indirectly connected with the trade. The cheaply priced apples or dry fruits imported from the US will obviously stand much stronger against the Kashmiri produce in the competitive market. It’s feared to spell doom on the nearly ₹9,000 crore worth apple industry, which makes a sizable contribution to the State economy,” Dr. Umar Nazir Tibatbakal, joint secretary general of the KCCI, said.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah also opposed the move. “When the concessions were announced during the G-20, it wasn’t thought that what impact it would have on our economy. Not only J&K but it will also affect Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand,” Dr. Abdullah added.

Dr. Abdullah said Kashmir grows apples, which is our major economy, walnuts too. 

“To appease the US, they want to finish the local growers. I appeal to the Govt. of India to not take a step that would increase the poverty that is already here and we get stuck in another crisis. If they don’t make it easy for the people, we will take to the street and protest,” Dr. Abdullah said.