Himachal Congress Leader Warns Against Zero-Tariff Apple Imports
Congress MLA from Theog and national spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Rathore has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, cautioning that allowing duty-free apple imports could devastate Himachal Pradesh’s apple growers.
Rathore argued that reducing import duties would expose local farmers to cheaper foreign produce, driving down prices and threatening livelihoods. He emphasized that apple cultivation is the backbone of Himachal’s rural economy, supporting thousands of families.
Criticizing the Centre, he urged the government not to bow to U.S. pressure in trade talks. “The demand for zero tariff on apples is a matter of serious concern for an agrarian country like India,” he said.
He pointed to the resolution passed by the Himachal Pradesh Assembly as proof of the state’s commitment to protecting farmers and called on other hill states like Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir to adopt similar measures. Punjab, he noted, has already passed a resolution and forwarded it to the Centre.
“The interests of farmers and fruit growers are paramount and cannot be compromised in any international agreement,” Rathore asserted, while also pitching for the creation of a Farmers’ Commission to strengthen policy support for agriculture and horticulture.
