Apple Growers Fear Trade Deal Fallout, Minister Warns of Possible Protests

Amid growing concerns over international trade negotiations, Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi has voiced strong apprehension about the future of apple growers, warning that farmers may be pushed towards protests to protect their livelihoods.

Drawing a parallel with the nationwide farmers’ agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, Negi said the situation could escalate if growers’ concerns continue to be ignored. “Around 700 farmers lost their lives during that आंदोलन, which eventually forced the government to repeal the laws. Apple growers may also have to adopt similar democratic means to make their voices heard,” he remarked.

His statement comes at a time when India and the United States are in the final stages of negotiating an interim trade agreement. The potential impact of this deal has already sparked anxiety among apple-growing regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. A joint forum representing growers from these states has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him not to agree to any terms that could harm domestic producers.

At the heart of the concern lies the issue of import duty on apples. Negi warned that any reduction in tariffs on imported US apples could severely damage the local apple economy, which is estimated to be worth around ₹5,000 crore. “Lower import duties would make foreign apples cheaper and more competitive, putting immense pressure on our farmers,” he said.

He also criticised what he described as a reversal of earlier commitments. Recalling the 2014 elections, Negi said that Prime Minister Modi had promised to increase import duty on apples from 70 per cent to 100 per cent. “Instead, the duty was reduced to 50 per cent, and now there is pressure from the US to bring it down even further,” he alleged, calling the situation a betrayal of apple growers.

The Minister further expressed concern over the nature of the negotiations, claiming that the deal appears to be tilted in favour of the United States. “This doesn’t look like a balanced agreement. It feels more like the terms are being dictated to us,” he said.

Negi also pointed out that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has repeatedly raised these concerns with the Centre, but there has been little response so far. He cautioned that continued inaction could leave farmers with no choice but to mobilize and protest.

“If the genuine concerns of our growers are ignored, they will be forced to take to the streets to safeguard their livelihood,” Negi said, underlining the seriousness of the situation.

For thousands of apple growers in the region, the outcome of these trade discussions could prove decisive. As uncertainty looms, their focus remains on ensuring that their interests are protected and that their hard-earned livelihoods are not compromised by policy decisions beyond their control.