himachal-farmers-push-for-ban-on-turkey-apple-imports

The demand to ban the import of apples from Turkey in the wake of rising tensions over Turkey’s perceived stance in the Indo-Pak situation—has gained momentum in Himachal Pradesh. The issue is particularly sensitive, as imported Turkish apples regularly compete with locally grown apples in the Indian market.

Himachal Pradesh’s apple economy, valued at around ₹5,000 crore, supports thousands of orchardists across districts such as Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi, and Chamba.

In response to mounting concerns, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that he will take up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also plans to request an increase in import duties on all foreign apples—a decision governed by the central government.

Earlier on Tuesday, a delegation from the Sanyukt Kisan Manch met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, urging a complete ban on the import of apples from Turkey.

Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Manch, informed the Governor that India currently imports apples from approximately 44 countries, with Turkey alone exporting nearly 1.29 lakh metric tonnes to India annually—earning between ₹800 crore to ₹1,000 crore in the process.

Chauhan emphasised the critical role of apple cultivation in the state’s economy, stating that Himachal Pradesh produces between 6 to 10 lakh metric tonnes of apples each year and that around 3 to 4 lakh families are directly dependent on the sector. He argued that banning imports from Turkey would not only strengthen the state’s economy but also serve as a diplomatic statement against nations that support terrorism or maintain close ties with Pakistan.

The Governor expressed support for the farmers’ concerns and assured the delegation that their memorandum would be forwarded to both the President and the Prime Minister. He stated that the matter directly affects the economic interests of Himachal Pradesh and emphasized the need to protect the livelihoods of its farmers and orchardists.