Himalayan Apple Growers (HAGS) Urge Ban on Turkish Apples
In a determined effort to protect their livelihoods, a delegation of apple growers from the Himalayan Apple Growers Society (HAGS) met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi today. Their demand was clear and urgent: an immediate ban on apple imports from Turkey.
The growers voiced deep concern over the rising influx of heavily subsidized Turkish apples flooding Indian markets. They explained that the low prices of these imports are severely undercutting local produce, leaving Indian farmers struggling to recover even basic production costs. Many growers say the situation has reached a crisis point, with mounting losses threatening to wipe out years of hard work.
In a memorandum handed over to the Minister, the delegation also raised serious national security concerns. They pointed to Turkey’s close military ties with Pakistan—a nation known for its hostile stance toward India—as a reason to reconsider continuing trade relations. “Engaging in commerce with such nations undermines both our economy and our national interest,” they emphasized.
More than just a fruit, apples are the lifeblood of the rural economy in India’s hill states. For countless families across Himachal Pradesh and nearby regions, apple cultivation is the primary source of income and stability. The growers stressed that protecting this sector is about more than economics—it’s about preserving the dignity of Indian farmers and supporting the government’s vision of a self-reliant India.
Minister Goyal assured the delegation that their concerns are being taken seriously and promised appropriate action. The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with renewed calls for strong policy measures to protect domestic growers and uphold India’s economic and strategic interests.
